The Council has nationwide representation from both Olympic and Paralympic sports and it will be chaired by the former Paralympic swimmer Carla Qualtrough.

"We have been working extremely hard to define our objectives and goals for the next two years to be as effective as possible to the organisation," said Qualtrough, who works professionally as a human rights lawyer.

"By focusing on a few key areas, we feel we can make a large impact on Toronto 2015.

"Promoting the Parapan side of the Games is important and will be a cornerstone of the work we want to achieve.

"If we can raise awareness of our para-athletes and their incredible stories of challenge and overcoming obstacles, then we've been successful."

Qualtrough is joined on the Athlete Advisory Council by fellow Paralympic swimmer Marie Dannhaeuser, water polo player Nathaniel Miller, baseball player Warren Sawkiw, rhythmic gymnast Alexandra Orlando, rower Jane Thornton, kayaker John Hastings, wheelchair rugby player Erika Schmutz and athletes Trevino Betty and Nicole Forrester.

The Council will support and represent the views and interests of athletes to help ensure best performances at the Toronto 2015 Games while they will also help shape programmes to enhance the athlete experience and encourage community engagement.

"The Council wants to ensure the Athletes' Village serves as a home away from home for the athletes," added the Council member Orlando.

"By taking into account high-performance athletes' invaluable knowledge and Games experience, the council can provide input to help create the right environment for Toronto 2015 athletes to perform at their best."

More than 40 applicants were considered by an evaluation panel to join the Toronto 2015 Athlete Advisory Council before the final ten were selected.

The goal of the selection panel was to create a Council of active and retired national team members that reflect the diversity of the Canadian sport system.

The Athlete Advisory Council term of office is two years.

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