Britain's Stephen McGuire is among those shortlisted ©Getty Images

Five candidates have been shortlisted to become the Boccia International Sports Federation's (BISFed) athlete representative.

The appointment is seen as a key first step to the formation of the organisation's first Athletes' Council.

Canada's Marco Dispaltro, South Korea's Chung Ho Lee, Britain's Stephen McGuire, Singapore's Nurulasyiqau Binte Mohammad Taha and Hong Kong's Kwan Hang Wong are now all in the frame for the role.

An election at next month's World Championships in Liverpool will decide the successful candidate.

Once chosen, the representative will help the BISFed board prepare the terms of reference for the Athletes' Council and lead the process to appoint its members.

Canada's Marco Dispaltro has also put himself forward for the position ©BISFed
Canada's Marco Dispaltro has also put himself forward for the position ©BISFed

They will also observe at BISFed meetings and advise on matters of importance to athletes.

To be considered for the position, athletes must have competed at at least one of the 2018 World Championships, the 2016 World Championships or the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

"The formation of an Athletes’ Council will be an important step in giving athletes a more direct influence on the development of boccia and will also provide interesting personal development opportunities for athletes to work with members of the BISFed Board," said BISFed President David Hadfield.