Sport Ireland has launched its first National Disability in Sport Week under the theme Celebrating Ability, highlighting the contributions of people with disabilities who participate, coach, officiate, volunteer, and lead in sport.
As part of the week, a webinar on Tuesday December 2nd, titled Coaching the Athlete- Celebrating the Athlete, brought together leaders from the coaching world. Speakers shared practical advice on supporting athletes with a wide range of disabilities, from sensory, visual, and hearing impairments to physical challenges, intellectual and learning disabilities, communication and social skills, and neurodivergent conditions including ASD, ADHD, and Tourette Syndrome. Adaptations discussed included structured sessions, quiet spaces, accessible equipment, descriptive coaching, and effective communication.
Paralympics Ireland also spoke at the webinar, and with World Sailing about to submit a bid for sailing to make a return to the Paralympics, it will be crucial for there to be a clear pathway for growing engagement in para sport. They emphasised the importance of creating clear pathways to grow engagement in para sport.
Active Disability Conference Reinforces Sport for All
Tuesday’s webinar was followed on Wednesday by the Active Disability Ireland’s Conference in Johnstown, Co. Meath, held in support of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). The event brought together the wider inclusion community, including athletes, coaches, and representatives from government and policy-making bodies, to share experiences, celebrate achievements, and strengthen collaboration in disability sport.
The opening session, featuring Minister of State for Sport Charlie McConalogue, emphasized that sport is a right, not a privilege. Panellists Ger McTavish (Sport Ireland) and Adam Harris (AsIAm) shared insights on leadership, lived experience, and neurodiversity, highlighting practical adaptations, inclusive environments, and the role of allies in fostering participation.
The conference showcased the progress made through policy, funding, and dedicated roles, while stressing that culture, attitude, and community commitment are essential to closing participation gaps. Speakers concluded that with collaboration across government, sporting bodies, and the wider inclusion community, the sector can truly “make the jigsaw work”, ensuring everyone has access to sport and the opportunity to thrive.
The afternoon sessions featured two inspiring female para-athletes. Melanie Griffith, an Irish para-athlete who has represented Ireland in wheelchair rugby, shared her journey and experiences competing at an elite level. Kerrie Leonard also spoke about her path in archery, representing Ireland at the 2012 Games and more recently in Tokyo. Both athletes captivated the audience with their dedication, commitment, and passion for their sports, providing powerful examples of perseverance and achievement in the face of challenges.
The conference concluded with a call for a renewed commitment to a more inclusive and active future for everyone. Brenda O’Donnell, CEO of Active Disability Ireland, had highlighted at the opening of the Conference that the momentum for inclusive sport in Ireland has never been stronger, and that the annual conference has become a national platform for collaboration, uniting government, sport organisations, and people with disabilities to drive real change. The event celebrated the progress made while emphasizing the ongoing need to challenge perceptions and ensure equal participation for all.
Looking ahead, the challenge now is to embed this momentum within the world of sailing. For the sport to truly reflect the values of National Disability in Sport Week, sailing clubs must not only be physically accessible but, more importantly, genuinely welcoming to all. This means committing to inclusive practices, adapting learning approaches, and creating environments where every participant feels supported. By developing clear pathways, building skills within clubs, and ensuring that accessibility and inclusion are central to how we operate, the sailing community can play a transformative role in opening the sport to everyone in our wider community.