The International Wheelchair Basketball Federation announced that its newly formed Players’ Commission convened for the first time in Mies, Switzerland, at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball. The gathering marked a milestone for the sport, uniting eight athlete representatives drawn from the four IWBF zones.
The session was made possible through funding from the International Paralympic Committee’s International Federation Grant, underscoring the partnership between the sport’s governing bodies and its athletes. Over the course of the meeting, participants discussed ways to deepen communication channels, boost player engagement, and raise the global profile of wheelchair basketball.
Leadership elected
During the vote, Alhassan Sedky was chosen as the Commission’s Chair, while Mariska Beijer and Kady Dandeneau were appointed as joint Vice Chairs. Their selection reflects a commitment to shared leadership and diverse representation across continents.
Sedky, a veteran of the sport, expressed his dedication to ensuring that athlete voices are heard at every level of decision‑making. “My commitment is to bridge the gap between the field and the federation,” he said, emphasizing the need for transparent dialogue and collaborative growth.
A shared vision for the future
The Commission outlined three core priorities: strengthening communication with athletes, increasing player engagement, and supporting the growth and visibility of wheelchair basketball worldwide. By leveraging the IPC grant and the expertise of its members, the group aims to create pathways for emerging talent and to showcase the sport’s competitive spirit on a broader stage.
The inaugural meeting also served as a platform for athletes from Egypt, Great Britain, Australia, Canada, the United States, the Netherlands, Japan, South Africa and Switzerland to exchange experiences and forge connections that will endure beyond the session. Their collective input is expected to shape policies that reflect the lived realities of players across continents.