The Athletes’ Committee is a consultative body of the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) and will give athletes an official voice within the organisation, for the first time.

 

The committee will comprise of eight members – one representing each equestrian discipline – and 33-year-old Pearson, who has won six Paralympic Games gold medals, is the representative for Para-Equestrian, having been nominated by the British Equestrian Federation (BEF).

 

Phil Lane, chief executive of the British Paralympic Association, said: “We were delighted to hear that Lee has been chosen to chair the FEI’s Athletes Committee.

 

“Lee has demonstrated his exceptional talent for Para-equestrian dressage by winning six medals at two Paralympic Games and because of his enthusiasm and commitment to the sport is an ideal choice to head up this group.

 

“As one of Britain’s most successful and well-known Paralympians Lee has been a strong advocate for disability sport inclusion and the FEI has made a profound statement in equity by selecting Lee to such an influential position.”

 

Hugh Thomas, chairman of the BEF, said: “We are delighted that our candidate has been chosen to head up this new international committee.

 

"Lee is one of the most successful riders in the world and this choice of chair reflects the importance that the FEI attached to Paralympic sport.”

 

The other committee members Germany’s Isabel Werth, representing dressage, Spain’s Cayetano Martinez de Irujo, representing showjumping, Andrew Hoy of Australia, representing eventing, Ireland’s  Barry Capstick, representing driving, Jeannette Krähenbühl from Suitzrtland representing reining, vaulter Megan Benjamin from the USA and Argentinian Mercedes Tapia for endurance.

 

The formation of the Athletes’ Committee was initiated by FEI President, HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein following requests from athletes at the World Equestrian Games in 2006.

 

Each national federation was asked to put forward candidates from which the President nominated eight and proposed its Chair.

 

The Committee, its members and Chair were ratified at the FEI General Assembly on April 15. 

 

The Committee will serve until the Alltech FEI world equestrian games in 2010 when the next Committee will be elected.