Paralympics Ireland successfully hosted the final Allianz NextGen event of 2025 on Sunday, November 30th at the National Indoor Arena, Dublin, welcoming aspiring Para athletes and families from across the country for a day of discovery, participation, and possibility.
The Dublin showcase marked the culmination of this year’s regional NextGen series designed to identify and support the next generation of Irish Para athletes and also served as a fitting launchpad for Sport Ireland’s first ever Disability in Sport Week 2025, which officially begins today, Monday, December 1st.
A Day of Opportunity and Discovery
Sunday’s event provided young people aged 10 and over with eligible physical, intellectual, or visual impairments the chance to try a range of Paralympic sports, connect with coaches, and explore local club opportunities. Participants tested their potential in a series of physical challenges and learned about pathways into sports such as wheelchair racing, cycling, triathlon, archery, canoeing, and more.
Parents, coaches, and volunteers were also given opportunities to deepen their knowledge of Para sport systems, supports, and progression routes. Following the event, attendees will be directed to relevant local clubs or National Governing Bodies to continue their sporting journey.
Launching Disability in Sport Week 2025
The success and energy of the Dublin NextGen event provided the perfect start to Sport Ireland Disability in Sport Week 2025, a landmark national initiative celebrating inclusion, leadership, and participation across the Irish sporting landscape.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD emphasised the importance of ensuring access for all:
“Every person should have the opportunity to participate in sport… As Minister, I am committed to making sport more accessible to people with disabilities by breaking down the barriers they currently face.”
Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue TD highlighted the Government’s continued commitment:
“As Minister for Sport, I want to ensure that having a disability presents no obstacle to participating in sport and physical activity… I hope that this week’s events will serve as a catalyst for making our sporting community more inclusive.”
Minister of State for Disability Emer Higgins TD added:
“This initiative reflects the strong commitment of both the Government and Sport Ireland to ensuring that every person, regardless of background, circumstance, or need, has the opportunity to participate, compete, and thrive.”
Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May reinforced the message of inclusion:
“Inclusion through sport means recognising the potential and talent in every individual, placing ability before disability.”
A National Week of Action and Inclusion
Running from December 1–7, Disability in Sport Week will celebrate the theme “Celebrating Ability / Ag Ceiliúradh Cumas”, with events and initiatives organised around key themes including Leadership, Communication, Capacity, Access, and Change.
Highlights include:
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Leadership Event (Dec 1): Featuring Paralympians Jason Smyth, Deirdre Morgan, and Orla Comerford, and hosted by journalist Joanne O’Riordan.
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Coaching Athletes with a Disability Webinar (Dec 2).
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Participation in the Active Disability Ireland Annual Conference (Dec 3).
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Showcasing the work of LSPs, NGBs, and Sport Inclusion Disability Officers (Dec 4–5).
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A weekend dedicated to active participation and inclusive sport across Ireland (Dec 6–7).
Sport Ireland Disability in Sport Lead Geraldine McTavish described the week as “a nationwide celebration of inclusion, leadership, and opportunity,” adding that the goal is to “ensure every person, regardless of ability, can participate, perform, and enjoy sport.”
The Dublin Allianz NextGen event not only wrapped up a successful 2025 talent identification series but also set the tone for Disability in Sport Week. With young athletes discovering new opportunities, coaches engaging in knowledge-sharing, and families embracing the possibilities of Para sport, the event demonstrated the strength and future potential of Ireland’s Paralympic pathway.
As one of the year’s final Paralympics Ireland participation events, Sunday’s NextGen gathering stands as a vibrant reminder of what can be achieved when opportunity, accessibility, and ambition come together.
