Lenine Cunha Elected To The IPC Athletes’ Council With Highest Votes
Lenine Cunha has been elected to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletes’ Council, receiving the highest number of votes from athletes in the Paralympic Village during Paris 2024.
“I am extremely happy and honoured to announce my election to the IPC Athletes’ Council,” Lenine shared.
“This is a moment of immense gratitude and pride. I want to sincerely thank everyone who believed in me, trusted my work, and supported me throughout this journey. I promise to continue dedicating myself fully, representing athletes with integrity, passion, and commitment, and always striving for the best for our community. Thank you all!”
Marc Truffaut, President of Virtus, praised Lenine’s election, stating: “Lenine’s dedication to athletes with intellectual impairments and his long-standing leadership in the Paralympic community makes him an exceptional representative on the IPC Athletes’ Council. His election is a clear reflection of the trust and respect he has earned from athletes worldwide. I am confident he will continue to be a powerful voice, ensuring the needs and aspirations of all Paralympic athletes are championed.“
Lenine Cunha receiving ‘Best Male Athlete 2022’ Award and in front of the GAitos at Paris 2024. Photo Credit: Virtus Sport
Lenine’s election is not only a personal milestone but a powerful demonstration of what he has always advocated for inclusion beyond the sporting arena. As he transitions towards retirement from competitive athletics, his journey highlights that there are many ways to remain involved in the Paralympic movement. Just as he visualised success as an athlete, through determination, hard work, and practice, he has now achieved this new goal. There was no difference in his approach— dream, visualise, work hard, and practice, practice, practice. It’s no surprise that Lenine was the most-voted candidate!
His campaign emphasised the importance of athlete representation at all levels of decision-making, strengthening support networks, and creating opportunities for athletes with intellectual impairments and from smaller nations. Lenine’s vision is to make the Paralympic movement even more accessible, foster leadership pathways, and ensure a sustainable and fair future for all athletes.
With over two decades of experience as an elite athlete, Lenine now extends his commitment to the IPC Athletes’ Council, where he will continue to champion athletes’ rights and amplify their voices on a global stage.
Read IPC’s announcement here.
