On April 13, 2025, University of Limerick (UL) hosted the first Allianz Next Gen event of the year, organised by Paralympics Ireland. The event aimed to introduce young individuals with disabilities, aged 14 and over, to a variety of Para sports, encouraging participation and opening pathways into inclusive sport.
With the support of Triathlon Ireland, Cycling Ireland, Mountaineering Ireland, and Archery Ireland, the event offered participants a unique opportunity to explore a range of para sports — including Para Triathlon, Para Cycling, Para Archery, and Para Climbing at the UL climbing wall. Designed with flexibility in mind, the day allowed individuals to engage at their own pace, whether by actively trying out different sports or observing from the sidelines. Throughout the event, participants connected with expert coaches — including Natasha Kelly (Para Triathlon Lead, Triathlon Ireland) and Marcin Mizgajski (High Performance Para-cycling Development Coach, Cycling Ireland) all while discovering new and exciting pathways into sport.
The success of the event was made possible through strong collaboration across the sporting community. UL Sport’s partnerships with national governing bodies like Triathlon Ireland and Swim Ireland were key to delivering a smooth and engaging day. The presence of passionate coaches, volunteers, and supportive families created an encouraging atmosphere for all involved.
Speaking about the event Paralympics Ireland Para Network Manager said: “It was incredible to see the energy and enthusiasm at the first Alliance Next Gen event of 2025. With the support of Triathlon Ireland, Cycling Ireland, Mountaineering Ireland, and Archery Ireland, the event gave people with disabilities the chance to try out para sports, connect with expert coaches and aspiring Paralympians, and discover new sporting pathways. It was a joy to work alongside these National Governing Bodies and witness so many participants having fun, discovering new sports and meeting like minded people. I look forward to rolling out more of these events later in the year and engaging with other sports to build on previous successful events and initiatives.”
