The values and messages of the Paralympic Movement will be endorsed by some of the world’s most prominent Paralympic athletes. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has appointed nine of the most famous names in sport to act as Paralympian Ambassadors.

The IPC Governing Board has approved the nominations of former British Wheelchair athlete Tanni Grey Thompson, German Swimmer and Paralympic gold medalist Kirsten Bruhn, leading Kenyan runner Henry Wanyoike, Dutch Wheelchair Tennis champion and four time Paralympic gold medalist Esther Vergeer, American Wheelchair Racing champion Cheri Blauwet, South African Wheelchair athlete Ernst Van Dyk, world class Cyclist Michael Teuber from Germany, former Paralympic Alpine Skiing champions Chris Waddell and Muffy Davies, visually impaired Nordic Skier Verena Bentele from Germany and Hou Bin from China, a triple Paralympic gold medal winner in High Jump.

As participants of the Paralympian Ambasssador Programme, the athletes will raise awareness of the Paralympic Movement and inspire and encourage future Paralympic athletes, as well as become valuable role models for young people with or without a disability.

IPC CEO Xavier Gonzalez said: “The Paralympian Ambassador Programme gives IPC a fantastic opportunity to highlight its most important campaigns and events with some of the most high profile and inspirational figures in the Paralympic Movement. Due to their vibrant personalities and remarkable sporting achievements, the chosen athletes embody the excitement of Paralympic Sport and their increased presence at IPC events will ensure our values of determination, courage, equality and inspiration are globally recognized.”

Paralympian Ambassadors will represent the Movement and help to raise awareness through various actions, including giving motivational speeches at corporate gatherings, attending the events of IPC and its partners and getting involved with promotional campaigns. The notoriety of the athletes will be used to raise the profile of Paralympic Sport, forge positive relationships with sponsors and act as a trigger for large scale publicity and support of the Paralympic Movement. Paralympian Ambassadors will also visit IPC development and educational events, promoting educational campaigns, school programmes and anti_doping messages.