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The IWBF Players’ Commission came together in Mies, Switzerland, at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball at the end of April for its first meeting following the latest elections, bringing together both returning and newly elected members for the first time as a group within the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF).
The Commission consists of eight athlete representatives from across the four IWBF Zones: Alhassan Sedky (Egypt), James MacSorley (Great Britain), Hannah Dodd (Australia), Kady Dandeneau (Canada), John Boie (USA), Mariska Beijer (Netherlands), Hiroaki Kozai (Japan) and Michelle Moganedi (South Africa).
Supported through funding from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) International Federation Grant, the meeting provided an opportunity for members of the new Commission to connect in person, begin shaping their priorities for the coming years, and build stronger relationships as a group. While the majority of members attended onsite in Mies, some participants joined remotely where travel was not possible.
IWBF Secretary General Gabriel Zangenfeind said:
“The Players’ Commission plays an important role within IWBF, ensuring that players have a strong and meaningful voice within our sport. Meetings like this are important in helping players gain a better understanding of the IWBF structures, priorities, and key topics being discussed across the sport, while also providing an opportunity for their opinions and perspectives to help shape those conversations.
“Thanks to the support of the IPC through the IF Grant programme, we were able to bring the Players’ Commission together in person, which was incredibly valuable for building relationships, sharing ideas, and helping the group align on its priorities moving forward.
“I would also like to sincerely thank all of the player representatives for giving up their time and committing themselves to this work alongside their sporting and personal commitments. Their passion and willingness to represent athletes around the world is hugely appreciated.”
The meeting also included a handover from the previous Commission leadership, Erica Gavel, allowing valuable experiences and ongoing projects to be shared with the newly elected members as they prepare to guide the next chapter of the Players’ Commission.
During the meeting, the Commission formally elected Egypt’s Alhassan Sedky as the new Chair of the IWBF Players’ Commission. The Vice Chair role will be shared jointly between the Netherlands’ Mariska Beijer and Canada’s Kady Dandeneau, reflecting a collaborative leadership approach for the new term.
The Players’ Commission serves as an important voice for athletes within IWBF, representing player perspectives across a wide range of topics connected to the development of wheelchair basketball worldwide. Discussions throughout the meeting focused on strengthening communication with athletes, increasing player engagement, and identifying ways the Commission can continue to support the growth and visibility of the sport internationally.
New Chair of the Players’ Commission, Alhassan Sedky, said:
“It is an honour to be elected as Chair of the IWBF Players' Commission. Wheelchair basketball has shaped my life in profound ways, and I am committed to ensuring that the voices of athletes everywhere are heard at every level of our sport. I am excited to work alongside this newly elected group of representatives to serve our players' interests and raise awareness of the Commission's work, so that more athletes know they have a voice within IWBF.”
Following the meeting, the Commission has begun work on its priorities for the next term, continuing to strengthen athlete representation and ensuring players remain at the centre of the development of wheelchair basketball worldwide.
