Canadian Paralympic Athletes' Council Names New Leadership Ahead of LA28 Games
Event summary
- Heidi Peters appointed chair of the Canadian Paralympic Athletes' Council, with Christina Picton as vice-chair following their first meeting with newly elected members.
- Both will also serve on the Canadian Paralympic Committee's Board of Directors as athlete representatives.
- Peters transitions from acting chair role after Jeremy Hall's departure in April 2026; her term runs through 2028.
- Picton, a two-time Paralympian, brings experience in both summer and winter sports to the vice-chair position.
The big picture
This leadership transition comes as Paralympic organizations globally face increasing pressure to amplify athlete voices in governance. The Canadian Paralympic Committee's move to integrate athlete representatives into its board reflects broader trends toward democratizing sports administration, particularly ahead of major international competitions like LA28.
What we're watching
- Athlete Representation
- How the council's focus on two-way feedback with NSOs and athlete data collection will impact policy decisions ahead of LA28.
- Governance Dynamics
- Whether the inclusion of both summer and winter athletes in leadership can bridge historical divides within Paralympic governance structures.
- Execution Risk
- The pace at which the council can implement its goals, given the compressed timeline before the 2028 Games.