Mandip brings extensive experience to the table, as a three-time Paralympian (Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016) but also as Head Coach at Coventry Stampede Wheelchair Rugby Club. Mandip was part of the GB team that came fourth at the 2008 summer Paralympics in Beijing and be also holds three gold medals from the European Championships in 2005, 2007, and 2015. Mandip has been passionate about wheelchair rugby since sustaining a life-changing injury in a car crash in 2000 and first being introduced to the sport at the Stoke Mandeville hospital during his recovery and rehabilitation.
Commenting on his new role, Mandip said:
“I’m honoured to have this opportunity, particularly at such an important and exciting time for the sport as we begin the countdown to Paris as defending Paralympic champions. As a former elite athlete and now coach I am also passionate about the sport at grassroots level and keen to help spread the word and get more people involved in and benefitting from this amazing game. Wheelchair rugby has brought me so much over the last twenty years it is a privilege to stand for election.”
Mandip’s appointment will satisfy GBWR’s articles of association which require that a minimum of two elected directors have experience as past participants of the sport; the other trustee in this position being Mandip’s London 2012 GB teammate, Andy Barrow, who was co-opted in 2018 before being elected at the 2019 annual general meeting. These board positions ensure the membership have a voice on the board.