Number of Positions: 3

Number of Candidates: 5

Please find below the candidates, vetted by the Elections' Commission, listed alphabetically by family name.

Cecil Kwan-Ho Cheung (HKG)

Motivational Statement: I’ve loved Ultimate for many years. Ultimate has given me so much, and I wish to spread
this great sport throughout the world and grow its presence. To let others enjoy this great
sport. I see this position as a way give back to the sport of Ultimate.

Flying Disc Experiences: 

  • WUCC 2022
  • WU24 2023
  • WU24 2025

Professional and Educational Experiences:

  • Currently a student at University of Toronto, participates in Canadian University Ultimate Championship.
  • Interned at FDFHKC(Flying Disc Federation of Hong Kong China)

Sevval Cihankaya (TUR)

Motivational Statement: I strongly believe in the power of sport to create meaningful social change. My engagement with the sport extends well beyond competition, I have been actively involved in advancing the development and official recognition of Ultimate in Turkiye. In this context, I previously served as the Secretary General of the Turkish Frisbee Association. In addition, I was elected last year as a Board Member of the Mediterranean Flying Disc Confederation, representing Europe.

I am particularly motivated by the upcoming major international events, including the European Games to be held in Istanbul in 2027 and the World Abilitysport Games taking place in Turkiye next year. These events present a unique opportunity to represent disc sports on a global stage and significantly enhance its recognition. I am eager to contribute actively to this process, ensuring that Ultimate gains greater visibility and stronger institutional support both nationally and internationally.

Through the Athlete Commission, I aim to advocate for greater inclusion, particularly by expanding opportunities for women and underrepresented groups and by supporting the growth and visibility of disc sports. I am also committed to developing Wheelchair Ultimate in Türkiye, ensuring that the sport becomes more accessible and inclusive for athletes of all.

Flying Disc Experiences: I have been playing Ultimate Frisbee for eight years now. During this time, I have competed at the European level in tournaments such as EUCR, Spring Invite and EUCF. A major milestone for me was representing Turkiye last year as part of the first-ever Turkish women’s team to compete at WBUC 2025.

Professional and Educational Experiences: I work as a Project Coordinator at a Turkish NGO, where I manage entrepreneurship projects specifically designed for young people. My role involves guiding them through the process of developing their own ventures and building an entrepreneurial mindset. At the same time, I am in the thesis stage of my Master’s degree in Educational Studies at KU Leuven. As a result, a large part of my life is built around the youth and civil society actors. I am deeply focused on creating social impact and bringing this mission into everything I do lächelnd

Lau Ho Ching Stephanie (HKG)

Motivational Statement: To the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF), My journey in ultimate frisbee began in the United Kingdom, where competing at a high university and club level taught me that the heart of our sport lies in the balance of elite performance and unwavering Spirit of the Game. Having achieved podium finishes in UK regional and national indoor and outdoor divisions, I learned early on that excellence is a product of both individual discipline and collective synergy.

Since returning to Hong Kong, I have dedicated myself to bridging the gap between playing, coaching, and community development. My experience as a representative player and for Hong Kong, China, in both the Women’s and Mixed divisions including competing at the Asia Oceanic Ultimate Guts Championship 2023, World Ultimate Championship 2024 and Asia Oceanic Ultimate Championship 2025—has given me a deep appreciation for the international competitive landscape. Additionally serving as an assistant coach for the Under 24 Worlds Ultimate Championship has provided me with a high level strategic view of international competition and on and off field support that athletes require to perform. Beyond the field, my role previously as a board member of Flying Disc Federation of Hong Kong, China has equipped me with the organisational and governance skills neccessary to drive systemic change. I understand the administrative side of sport development and the importance of clear communication between athletes and governing bodies

I am seeking a position on the Athlete’s Commission because I believe my unique "multi-perspective" can serve the WFDF community well:

  • Bridging Leadership and Participation: As an assistant coach for the U24 Mixed Team and experience in being a captain and spirit captain in national teams competing on international stages I have developed a keen eye for the organizational and structural needs of these young athletes.
  • Commitment to Growth: My work volunteering at beginner events underscores my belief that the future of flying disc sports depends on an inclusive, supportive environment that welcomes new voices.
  • Health and Performance Advocacy: With a background and passion for sports medicine and health science, I am particularly interested in advocating for athlete wellness, recovery, and injury prevention at the global level.

Flying Disc Experiences:  Started playing in the UK in 2020 for University of East Anglia. Came third in 2020 University Womens Ultimate National, and 2020 University Womens Outdoor Regionals. Captained the university team in my third year. Throughout my university time in the UK, I have also played with different club teams participating in various UK Ultimate indoor and outdoor regional and national tournaments.

I then return to Hong Kong to continue playing with the national team attending in international tournaments for Hong Kong.

  • 2023 Asia Oceanic Ultimate and Guts Championships, Hong Kong Womens Ultimate National Team (Captain)
  • 2023 Under 24 Worlds Ultimate Championships, Hong Kong Mixed Ultimate National Team (Assistant Coach)
  • 2024 Worlds Ultimate Championships, Hong Kong Mixed Ultimate National Team (Player, Assistant Coach)
  • 2025 Asia Oceanic Ultimate Championship, Hong Kong Mixed Ultimate National Team (Spirit Captain)

Professional and Educational Experiences:

  • Registered Hong Kong physiotherapist working in hospital in Hong Kong 2022 - present
  • UK Ultimate Level 1 Coach 2020
  • Flying Disc of Hong Kong China Ultimate Level 1 Coach 2023
  • Board member of Flying Disc Federation of Hong Kong, China 2023-present

Educational experiences:

  • 2024-recent Master in Sports Medicine and Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong
  • 2018-2021 Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, University of East Anglia (UK)

Benjamin Swanson (NZL)

Motivational Statement: I want to be an Athletes’ Commission Member to represent New Zealand and ensure our small, but high-performing, community has a strong voice in international discussions.

New Zealand’s Ultimate community is small but incredibly tight knit. Players of all levels train and compete together, and we consistently give back by supporting national squads, especially given our limited international opportunities. Experiencing Ultimate in other countries has reinforced how special and connected our community is.

As a Commission Member, I would advocate for equitable opportunities, clear communication, and meaningful athlete representation across all regions. I am motivated to ensure athletes, regardless of geography or resources, feel heard and supported."

Flying Disc Experiences: I have been involved in high level ultimate for several years across youth, U24, and senior national programs under the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF).

In 2017/18, I was selected for the wider New Zealand U20 squad preparing for the World Junior Ultimate Championships (WJUC). Although I was not selected for the final team that year, I was selected for the following campaign and represented New Zealand in the Philippines as part of our preparation tour. Unfortunately, WJUC 2020 was cancelled due to COVID-19.

I then progressed into the senior national training squad pathway targeting the World Ultimate Championships (WUC) and the World Under-24 Ultimate Championships (WU24UC). After another missed opportunity in 2021 due to the pandemic, I represented New Zealand at WU24UC in 2023, where we finished 10th.

Since then, I have been playing in the United Kingdom in both mixed and open divisions where I captained my team to a 6th-place finish at Nationals. I currently coach a women’s team and manage the New Zealand U24 Open squad, and I remain part of the national training squad with trials soon for the mixed team to attend AOUGC and WUC.

Professional and Educational Experiences: Professionally, I have worked in management and education, where I have developed strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. I value sharing ideas, guiding others, and ensuring all perspectives are heard and respected.

I have experience working with a wide range of demographics, which has strengthened my ability to communicate effectively and advocate thoughtfully. After aging out of youth divisions (high school, U20, U24), I have consistently returned to coach and mentor, giving back to the sport that has given me so much. Managing and supporting international campaigns has also given me insight into athlete needs, logistics, and performance environments.

I have and continue to use my professional skills with WFDF, in 2024 I worked as the lead of transport at WJUC in Birmingham where we shuttled the athletes to and from pitches on time. I am now managing the next U24 cycle and excited to find out where we're going!

Caroline Tisson (GER)

Motivational Statement:  Hi everyone,  I’d love to run again for the Athletes’ Commission. The past four years as Chair have taught me a lot, and I’d really like to give that back to our community.

What matters most to me is making the AC more visible and approachable, supporting safe and accessible sport, helping athlete communities grow globally, and pushing for more equity—especially for all women and gender-diverse athletes (FLINTA*).

I’d love to keep building this together. Thanks so much for your support!

Flying Disc Experiences: Caroline has been playing for German national Teams since she was a junior and competed in 1 U20 worlds, WUGC in London, WUCC 2022 and will compete in WUCC 2026

Professional and Educational Experiences: Caroline is a professional sports developer, currently with the focus on developing youth through sport and fostering volunteering.