The Association of Paralympic Sports Organisations (APSO) has formally established its Governance and Legal Advisory Group (GLAG), reinforcing its commitment to high standards of governance, legal compliance and ethical practice across the Paralympic Movement.
The GLAG has been created to provide expert advice and strategic guidance to APSO’s Executive Board on governance, legal and compliance matters. The group will play a central role in supporting policy development, strengthening regulatory frameworks and promoting transparency and accountability across APSO’s membership.
Leadership and composition
The GLAG will be chaired by World Boccia President Jon Morgan, with Steve Loader, APSO Vice President and World Wheelchair Rugby Board member, serving as the APSO Executive Board representative.
The appointed members bring extensive expertise across international sport governance, law, compliance and athlete representation:
- Graham Arthur (World ParaVolley) – Legal and disciplinary expert with significant experience in anti-doping, classification and intentional misrepresentation cases within the Paralympic Movement.
- Jelena Dojcinovic (FIS) – Membership Manager at the International Ski and Snowboard Federation and former National Federation General Secretary, with strong experience in regulatory frameworks and sport administration.
- Francisco Lima (FEI) – Director of Governance at the International Equestrian Federation, with nearly two decades of experience in international sports law, governance reform and institutional compliance.
- Georgia Lynch (World Triathlon) – Legal Counsel with expertise in regulatory reform, compliance, eligibility frameworks and dispute proceedings at international level.
- Constance Terrier (World Archery) – Chief Operating Officer with extensive leadership experience in governance, legal affairs and institutional management within international sport.
- Jessica Vliegenthart (IWBF) – Chairperson for Legal Matters at the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation, lawyer and Paralympian, specialising in governance reform, dispute resolution and safe sport.
The composition of the group reflects APSO’s commitment to diversity, independence and the principle of “nothing about me without me,” ensuring a balance of legal, governance and athlete-centred expertise.
Strengthening governance across the Paralympic Movement
Operating in an advisory capacity, the GLAG will support APSO in reviewing governance structures, developing policies and monitoring emerging trends in international sport governance.
Its work will also contribute to addressing complex and evolving issues across para sport, including safeguarding, classification integrity, intentional misrepresentation and broader ethical and regulatory challenges highlighted across international federations.
APSO President highlights breadth of expertise
Welcoming the establishment of the group, APSO President Dr Debbie Alexander said:
“The creation of the Governance and Legal Advisory Group marks an important milestone for APSO and for the wider Paralympic Movement. The calibre and diversity of expertise within this group is exceptional – spanning governance, legal affairs, compliance, safeguards and complex areas such as intentional misrepresentation and classification integrity.
Together, this group will provide invaluable guidance to ensure that our structures remain robust, transparent and fit for purpose as para sport continues to grow globally.”
Looking ahead
The GLAG is expected to meet regularly throughout the year and will report directly to the APSO Executive Board, contributing to the organisation’s mission to strengthen collaboration, integrity and good governance across international para sport.
Its establishment represents a significant step in reinforcing APSO’s role as a leading voice in shaping a stronger, more accountable and inclusive Paralympic Movement.