CPC congratulates Chelsey Gotell on re-election to IPC Governing Board

Ottawa, November 20, 2025 – Canadian Paralympian Chelsey Gotell has been re-elected as a member-at-large on the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board following the conclusion of its elections on Thursday.   

The IPC elections began at the IPC General Assembly in Seoul, South Korea in September, but were not fully completed due to time constraints. In Seoul, Andrew Parsons was re-elected as president of the IPC for a third term, while Leila Marques Mota and John Petersson were elected as first vice-president and second vice-president. The member-at-large elections were completed virtually Thursday, with Gotell elected for a second term on the Governing Board.  

Gotell originally ran for the position of first vice-president, but finished second to Marques Mota. She then moved into the member-at-large candidacy pool.  

A three-time Paralympian and 12-time Paralympic medallist in Para swimming, Gotell has been a member-at-large of the Governing Board since 2021 and previously was chair of the IPC Athletes’ Council.  

She has also been chair of the Canadian Paralympic Athletes’ Council and has sat on the Canadian Paralympic Committee Board of Directors since 2016 through her roles with the CPC and IPC Athletes’ Councils and IPC Governing Board.  

Statement from Marc-André Fabien, president, Canadian Paralympic Committee and Karen O’Neill, CEO, Canadian Paralympic Committee:  

“Congratulations to Chelsey on being elected to a second term on the IPC Governing Board, a significant achievement and a role in which we are confident she will continue to thrive. Chelsey is a proven leader who has made immeasurably immense impacts towards creating a stronger Paralympic sport system for over 25 years, as an athlete, administrator, and elected representative. She is driven, committed, and passionate and will help steward the Paralympic Movement through its next important stage of development and growth globally.  

We would also like to congratulate Andrew Parsons on his re-election as president. Andrew has been a steady force for many years, guiding the IPC through an exciting period of substantial progress around the world, and the Paralympic Movement will advance further under his leadership.   

We wish Chelsey, Andrew, and the entire new Governing Board all the best in their roles. We look forward to continuing to work alongside the IPC to advance the Paralympic Movement and create a stronger, inclusive, and accessible society through the power of Para sport.”  

For more information on the IPC elections, please visit: IPC Governing Board elected at Extraordinary General Assembly