Congratulations to Ben Quilter who has been appointed to the British Paralympic Association’s new Athletes’ Commission this week.

Quilter, a VI (Visually Impaired) judoka, is a London 2012 Paralympic bronze medallist and a Paralympian from Beijing as well as a Judo double World and a European Champion.

He joins Tom Aggar (rowing), Claire Cashmore (swimming), Sophie Christiansen OBE (equestrian), Tim Farr (alpine skiing), Stef Reid for (athletics), Helene Dyson for (rowing), Caroline Matthews (wheelchair basketball).

David Clarke, (football) is also the chairman of the group.

The group reflects a balance of summer and winter sports and a cross section of sports and impairment groups.

To be eligible, athletes must have competed at a Paralympic Games or a Paralympic Winter Games in the last six years.

The Athletes’ Commission acts as an advisory group to the BPA, and will represent the views of athletes to the BPA Board, Executive Team and ParalympicsGB Games Planning Groups. Through the Commission, the BPA can use athlete feedback and advice to support its objective to send the best prepared team of British athletes to each Paralympic Games.

Some of the areas that the Commission will advise on could include anti-doping, team planning, Games Services, kit, preparation strategies, village arrangements.

The Commission will also act to support the BPA response to developments on an international level, such as classification. They will also support the IPC Athletes’ Council election process and have a commitment to support British influence at this level.

Quilter said: “I think it is important to build on the success of 2012 and I am looking forward to drawing on my knowledge and experience to help future Paralympic Games be as amazing as London for British athletes, in every way that I can. I am passionate about Paralympic sport and I am delighted to be a part of this commission.”

Words by Donna Richardson.