Baroness Tanni will continue her work with the organisation on a less frequent basis as she has been appointed Honorary President of the organisation but business leader Reed, who steps up to the position his role as vice chair, admitted that he was happy to take up the new job.

"I'm delighted that the members of EFDS have elected me to be their chair at such an exciting and important time in sport," said Reed, formerly Director of Customer Service and Communications for Nationwide Building Society.

"Through the years of my involvement with disability sport I have been inspired by the athletes who take part and by the organisers and volunteers who dedicate so much of their time and energy to supporting them.

"I feel passionately about equality for disabled people and I believe we have a unique opportunity now, working closely with key partners, to bring about a significant improvement in the overall numbers who benefit from sport and physical activity".

It was during his time at Nationwide that Reed became passionately involved with the EFDS's events programme and was influential in securing the £1 million ($1.5 million/€1.1 million) sponsorship deal.

He continues to encourage the importance of volunteering and employee engagement in sport and is well-respected both as an ambassador and spokesperson, championing customer service and diversity within the workplace.

In addition to Reed becoming the new chair, two vacant positions on the board have been filled by Gerry Kinsella and Janet Williams who will lead the organisation into 2012 and build on the legacy for disabled people in sport.

Kinsella has over 40 years' experience of volunteering and developing sporting opportunities for disabled people.

With proven commitment within grassroots sport development, she was a founder member of EFDS and is currently the EFDS North West region chair.

Meanwhile Williams, Trustee and Director of the Rugby Medical Trust, joins the Board with extensive experience in the sport sector.

With a strong background in sports development, she brings with her many interesting sporting connections and potential networking opportunities.

They join the existing board members-  April Barrett, Ken Black, Mary Butler, Lee Mason, Tracey McCillan, Liz Neale and Steven Town.

Working with strategic partners, EFDS is looking to maximising the opportunities over the London 2012 Paralympics.

With 93 per cent of disabled people currently not taking part in regular activity, they are hoping one of the greatest legacies from 2012 will be increased participatio rates.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]