UK Athletics’ Warner Named IPC Chairman

Ed Warner, chairman of UK Athletics, has been appointed to the prestigious position as chairman of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletics Sport Technical Committee (STC), meaning he will play a leading role in the development of the sport beyond London 2012 to Rio 2016.

The announcement comes as somewhat of a consolation to Warner after his embarrassing failure to get a seat on the ruling Council of European Athletics last month, leaving Britain without any representation at the top table of the sport in Europe for the first time in its history.

Warner will now be a key figure in the development of disability athletics following his four-year appointment and stated: “I’m delighted to take on this role.

“While it further cements UKA’s positive working relationship with the IPC, it is also recognition of Great Britain’s commitment to the development of Paralympic sport globally.

“I hope that we can build on the great work that has taken place in recent years and continue to evolve Paralympic athletics in this crucial period through to the London 2012 Paralympics and onto Rio [in 2016].

“The profile of our sport has never been higher and I’m excited to be involved with the key decision makers going forward.”

The appointment of Warner follows the publication of the IPC’s new four year strategic plan to propel Paralympic Games to the next level while increasing the number of people participating in disability sport at all levels around the world and Xavier Gonzalez, the IPC’s chief executive, revealed he was delighted to secure an individual of Warner’s calibre to take on the role.

“I am delighted that Ed Warner will take on the position as chairperson of the IPC Athletics Sport Technical Committee,” said Gonzalez.

“For many years he has worked in a professional capacity with the sport of athletics, both non-disabled and athletes with a disability, and his strategic leadership, sports knowledge and experience will contribute greatly to further establishing a strong foundation for the sport.”

ParalympicsGB chairman Tim Reddish added: “Ed’s appointment is great news and it is testament to the high esteem in which Ed and his work at UKA is held internationally.

“I am especially delighted because in Britain we are proud to be a leading nation in Paralympic sport, not just in terms of winning medals but in relation to the development of all of the sports.

“Ed’s appointment is recognition of this.”