The Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui has appointed its inaugural Athlete Advisory Group, strengthening its commitment to ensuring athlete voices inform the Commission's work.
The Athlete Advisory Group builds on the mahi of the former Athlete Commission and provides an avenue for athletes to influence policies, programmes and decisions that keep sport safe and fair.
The diverse group of high-performance athletes represents a strong mix of experience across para, team and individual sport. It includes both current and former competitors with backgrounds in governance, leadership, safeguarding and wellbeing, and reflects the diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand’s sporting community. Members will collaborate with the Commission on issues including anti-doping, safeguarding and competition manipulation, making sure that decisions are informed by real-world experience.
“This is about partnership and collaboration,” said Commission Chief Executive Rebecca Rolls.
“Athletes bring unique experiences and perspectives that strengthen our work, so it’s important they sit at the centre of our work relating to high-performance. Their views are essential to building a sporting environment that is clean, safe, fair and has the confidence of those who participate.”
Toby Cunliffe-Steel was appointed to the AAG after serving as the Chair of the former Athlete Commission. He was excited about the opportunity to continue his work:
"An athlete’s experience is shaped by the integrity standards around them, be it training environments, team culture, or competitions.
“I'm proud to keep contributing to an organisation that recognises athletes sit at the heart of sport and recreation and upholds the principle that those most affected by decisions must help shape them. I’m genuinely excited about our potential to empower the Commission in its mahi to foster better sporting environments for all."
By weaving athletes into its mahi, the Commission reinforces its commitment to making sure that the work to build a culture of integrity in Aotearoa New Zealand is done with and for participants, safeguarding sport and recreation for everyone.
Athlete Advisory Group members:
