The 47-year-old was chosen by the organisation's Management Board after previously serving as the PKP spokesperson.

Malinowska-Kowalczyk was one of the winners of the International Paralympic Committee's International Women's Day Recognition awards in March.

She was honoured in the builder category for her "sustained and consistent leadership over a period of time promoting and supporting women in sport".

Polish President Andrzej Duda appointed her as an advisor for people with disabilities in July 2019.

For nearly 10 years she ran the television programme Pełnawodni on TVP Sport, which was dedicated to Paralympic sport and activities for the disabled.

She has also worked in media roles at every Summer and Winter Paralympic Games since Athens 2004.

"For me, it is a great honour and obligation," said Malinowska-Kowalczyk, who had her arm amputated due to cancer when she was 11-years-old.

"For years, Paralympic sport has been extremely close to me. 

"I have always believed that it has its own brand and individuality, and that the sport of people with disabilities is sport. 

"When a competitor starts, he does not think about his disability, but about giving his best and winning. 

"There is extraordinary strength in Paralympic sport, the physical and mental capabilities of a person. 

"Each Paralympian is an extraordinary story of struggle against adversity suitable for a good movie. 

"But everything always starts with a dream. 

"If there is a dream, there is a goal, it is worth pursuing and trying to achieve it. 

"My dream has just come true today."

Łukasz Szeliga, the PKP President, added: "I am very glad that Paulina became the secretary general. 

"We have been working together for several years and it is a dream cooperation. 

"I am happy about this addition and it is certainly an organisational strengthening of PKP, and at the same time a certain standard that is encountered in other countries and committees, where apart from the President, there is a secretary general."