Paralympics Ireland today launched its new strategy, setting out a vision to expand sporting opportunities for people with disabilities, support Irish athletes to achieve world-class performances and build a more inclusive Ireland through sport.
The launch took place at the National Sports Campus on Wednesday, 30 September, as part of a joint Sports Forum with Sport Ireland, which also launched its Disability Sport Fund.
The event brought together athletes, coaches, National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships and representatives from across Irish sport to explore how the sector can work together to improve access, participation and performance.
Built around the message “We Are Mór”, the strategy sets out an athlete-centred approach to the future of Para sport in Ireland. It recognises the need to remove barriers, strengthen pathways and create opportunities for people with disabilities to develop and progress in sport.
Three core objectives will guide Paralympics Ireland’s work:
- Lead Team Ireland to perform to its potential and deliver success at the Paralympic Games, through world-class preparation, operational support and athlete development.
- Transform Para sport access and opportunities, working with partners to expand recruitment, support development and reach underrepresented groups.
- Use its voice to build a more equitable and inclusive Ireland, amplifying athletes’ experiences, challenging perceptions of disability and advocating for greater representation.
Speaking about the strategy, Stephen McNamara, CEO of Paralympics Ireland, said:
“Building on the significant progress achieved to date, our mission is to create a vibrant and sustainable Para sport system that enables Irish athletes to deliver world-class performances and inspire meaningful change.
“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. 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.”
The strategy was shaped by more than 300 consultations, drawing on the experiences and perspectives of athletes, coaches, partners and the wider sporting community. Its development included an extensive review following the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
It also reflects a changing role for Paralympics Ireland following the transfer of Para athletics, Para swimming and boccia to Athletics Ireland, Swim Ireland and the Irish Wheelchair Association respectively. These transitions create an opportunity for Paralympics Ireland to deliver a wider impact across the Para sport system, working alongside its partners to connect participation, development and performance.
Athlete voice, collaborative partnerships and a sustainable organisation underpin the strategy, alongside a commitment to track progress and measure its impact.
The launch marked an opportunity for the sporting community to come together around a shared ambition: an Ireland where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive through sport.
