Australian Glider Hannah Dodd has been selected to the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) Players’ Commission, where she will represent the Asia Oceania region and help shape the future of wheelchair basketball at a global level.
Dodd is one of four newly elected representatives confirmed following IWBF’s recent zonal nomination and election process, joining athletes from Africa, Europe and the Americas on the eight-member Commission.
The Players’ Commission plays a key role within IWBF governance, ensuring athlete experiences and perspectives are included in discussions and decisions that impact wheelchair basketball worldwide, while strengthening communication between players and IWBF and ensuring athlete voices remain central to the federation’s decision-making processes.
Dodd said she was honoured to have the opportunity to represent athletes from across the Asia Oceania region and contribute to shaping the future of wheelchair basketball.
“It was a bit of a surprise to be honest, but I’m really excited for the challenge and the opportunity to help represent athletes and their perspectives,” Dodd said.
“I hope to be an accessible and supportive point of contact for athletes across the region, no matter the level or issue.”
Dodd will serve a four-year term from 2026 to 2030, working alongside fellow newly elected representatives Alhassan Sedky (Egypt), James MacSorley (Great Britain) and Kady Dandeneau (Canada).
They join continuing members John Boie (USA), Mariska Beijer (Netherlands), Hiroaki Kozai (Japan) and Michelle Moganedi (South Africa), who remain on the Commission through to 2028.
Welcoming the newly confirmed representatives, IWBF Secretary General Gabriel Zangenfeind emphasised the importance of athlete voices within the federation.
“The player voice is not only relevant — it is essential,” Zangenfeind said.
“Players bring lived experience, perspective and credibility to our discussions, and their input strengthens the decisions we take as a federation.”
“Ensuring that players are meaningfully involved in shaping the future of wheelchair basketball remains a priority for IWBF.”
