In a significant development for global para sports, Vanessa Low, has been elected to three pivotal roles: chairperson of the World Para Athletics Athletes’ Committee, chair of the WPA Sport Committee, and a board member of the newly established World Para Sport Unit.
Commenting on her roles, Low, said: “It was a big compliment. Especially the first position on the Athletes’ Committee — that was an elected role.”
“My peers chose me to represent them, which gave me belief that I’m someone who not only knows a lot of people, but someone who listens and passes on others’ voices too.
“I’ve always wanted to leave the sport better than I found it. Now I’ve found allies to actually do that,” she said.
Her involvement in the committees goes beyond typical athletic engagement; she is at the forefront of vital discussions concerning rule changes, competition structures, and the representation frameworks that affect para athletes.
On creating athlete feedback, Low, said: “We’ve just launched a new anonymous form so athletes can raise concerns safely, from anywhere in the world.”
“That feedback helps us go to World Para Athletics and say, ‘Here’s what’s really happening’,” she said.
Importantly, Low recognises that her perspective is one of many, understanding that true advocacy often requires stepping aside from personal experiences.
“Sometimes what comes up doesn’t align with what I’ve been through. But if I’ve heard enough people say it’s a problem, then we have to find a way to act,” Low said
“That’s hard when you sometimes have to put your own views second, but it’s what real advocacy looks like,” she said.
Her additional responsibilities on the Sport Committee, attained through her role as chairperson, grant her influence over critical components such as qualification standards, event formats, and classification rules, areas that, while often overlooked by many athletes, are crucial for the future of para sports.
Low also emphasises the significance of geographical representation in discussions, ensuring that the dialogue includes voices from across continents rather than being dominated by Western perspectives.
Her leadership style is characterised not only by conviction but also by a compassionate understanding of the complexities within para sports.
She candidly addresses the need for conflict resolution and compromise, stressing the importance of moving forward even amidst differing opinions.
Beyond her athletic roles, Low serves on the World Para Sport Unit Board, designed to advance sports transitioning to their own international federations away from the International Paralympic Committee, including para athletics.
“We’re moving from a movement to a professional product. There’s money in it, there are broadcast rights, ticket sales,” Low said.
“But the power is still in the visibility. When para sport does well, it has a flow-on effect for the entire disability community.
“We go from Games to Games, and then we’re sometimes forgotten in the middle.
“We need to build the ‘in-between’ – the Grand Prix circuit, showcase events, more access. That’s the next step,” she asserted, reflecting on the need for sustained engagement in the para sports landscape,” she said.
As for the legacy she seeks to leave behind, Low expressed a profound intention that she wants to be known as someone who listens and someone who lived what they believed in.
This ambition encapsulates her dedication to fostering an inclusive and vibrant framework for para sports moving forward.
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