Paralympics Ireland has launched an ambitious new strategy to expand opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sport, strengthen the pathway to high performance, and use sport to drive greater inclusion across Irish society.
The strategy was unveiled at the Sport Ireland Campus as part of a joint Disability Sports Forum with Sport Ireland, bringing together athletes, coaches, National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships and representatives from across the disability sport community.
Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue was among those attending.
More than 300 consultations informed the strategy’s development, involving athletes, coaches, sporting bodies, Government, Sport Ireland and other stakeholders.
It is built around three central objectives: leading Team Ireland to perform to its potential and deliver success at the Paralympic Games; transforming access to and opportunities within Para sport; and using the voice and profile of Paralympics Ireland to help create a more equitable and inclusive Ireland.
The strategy also represents an important evolution in the role of Paralympics Ireland.
The transfer of Para athletics to Athletics Ireland, Para swimming to Swim Ireland and boccia to the Irish Wheelchair Association has shifted responsibility for the day-to-day development of those sports into the wider National Governing Body structure.
This gives Paralympics Ireland an opportunity to take a broader leadership role across the Para sport system, connecting participation, talent identification, athlete development and high performance.
The strategy includes expanding athlete recruitment opportunities at national and community level, strengthening links across the Para sport network, and launching targeted initiatives to reach groups currently underrepresented in sport.
High performance remains at the heart of the organisation’s remit, with supporting athletes to prepare, perform and thrive at Paralympic Games central to the strategy.
There will also be an increased emphasis on athlete voice and on enabling Paralympians and Para athletes to develop as leaders within the wider Irish sporting system.
“Paralympics Ireland opens the door to sport for people with disabilities, building confidence, health and community while inspiring the nation through athletic excellence on the global stage,” said Minister McConalogue.
“Its new Strategy will result in expanded opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sport and support our high-performance athletes as they continue their journey towards Los Angeles.”
Paralympics Ireland President Lisa Clancy described the launch as a defining moment for the organisation.
“It commits us to excellence, fairness and courageous leadership as we expand access, strengthen pathways and use our voice to build a more inclusive Ireland,” she said.
“Together, we will create a vibrant Para sport system that empowers athletes to thrive and inspires lasting change.”
CEO Stephen McNamara said the ambition was to build a sustainable system capable both of delivering world-class performances and creating significantly more opportunities for participation.
“Working in partnership with our exceptional athletes, member National Governing Bodies, Government, Sport Ireland, and the Sport Ireland Institute, we will lead Team Ireland in reaching its full potential and achieving success on the Paralympic stage,” he said.
“Together with our stakeholders, we will transform access to Para sport and increase opportunities for participation, while showcasing the remarkable sporting achievements of our community and helping to build a more equitable and inclusive Ireland.”
Sport for Business Perspective
The transfer of individual sports into their respective governing bodies makes this strategy particularly significant.
Integration should mean that Para sport increasingly forms part of the core business of Irish sporting organisations rather than operating alongside it.
Paralympics Ireland’s challenge over the coming decade will therefore be different. It will increasingly be about leadership, coordination, advocacy and high performance, while working with governing bodies and the wider sporting system to ensure grassroots opportunities become broader and easier to access.
Success by 2036 will be visible on the Paralympic stage, but it will also be found much closer to home: in how many people with disabilities are given a genuine opportunity to find a sport, join a club, compete, and discover just how far their talent might take them.
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Image Credit: Paralympics Ireland
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