Yesterday marked a milestone for Paralympics Ireland as the first Para Sport Forum was held at the Sport Ireland Campus. The event set the stage for a more collaborative and strategic approach to partnerships within the Para sports community. Key stakeholders came together for meaningful discussions, sparking innovative ideas and laying the groundwork for impactful initiatives leading up to LA2028 and beyond.
The session brought together a dynamic mix of Paralympians, Coaches, Sport Scientists, Directors and Leads from Performance, Sport/Institute, Programmes, CEOs, and members of the Paralympics Ireland Board, showcasing the commitment and expertise present within the Irish sporting community. The diverse range of participants, including representatives from a wide array of organisations, greatly contributed to the overall success of the day.
Paris Chef de Mission and Sports Director Neasa Russell opened the forum, outlining its purpose and stressing that “progress moves at the speed of trust.” She highlighted the focus on a strengths-based, relationship-driven, and purpose-oriented approach to create collective impact. Neasa also shared the findings of the Paris Review, highlighting key insights, conclusions, and recommendations. She emphasized their significance and discussed how they could shape future actions and strategies for LA.
Alan Dineen presented the findings of his research on Gateways and Pathways in Para sport, a project led by Paralympics Ireland in partnership with the University of Limerick and funded by Rethink Ireland on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth. The research revealed that positive developmental experiences for athletes and coaches are largely influenced by strong support systems, clear communication, and accessible resources. However, it also highlighted significant barriers, such as limited awareness of Para sport pathways, challenges in progressing through the system, and issues with funding and infrastructure. The findings underscored the need for more inclusive programs and tailored support to improve recruitment, retention, and the overall sporting environment. These insights will inform future strategies aimed at creating a more supportive and effective environment for Para athletes and coaches in Ireland.
CEO Stephen McNamara, along with Strategic Manager Jason Smyth, outlined the direction of the new strategic plan, emphasising key priorities and goals that support growth and inclusivity for athletes, coaches, and stakeholders. Their presentation set the stage for the next phase of development, focusing on collaboration and future-focused initiatives.
In the afternoon, attendees participated in a workshop/world café exercise, engaging with Paralympics Ireland staff on a wide range of topics, including classification, communications, pathway programs, and more.
The event marked the beginning of an open, collaborative, and strategic approach to working with this key group of stakeholders, laying the foundation for stronger, more productive partnerships in the future.
Among those in attendance were:
- Active Disability Ireland
- Archery Ireland
- Athletics Ireland
- Badminton Ireland
- Boccia Ireland
- Cycling Ireland
- Federation of Irish Sport
- Horse Sport Ireland, Para Dressage
- Irish Wheelchair Association
- Para Swimming
- Sport Ireland
- Sport Ireland Institute
- Swim Ireland
- Table Tennis Ireland
- Triathlon Ireland
- Vision Sports Ireland
Speaking about the forum, Paralympics Ireland Sports Director Neasa Russell said: “We are excited about the potential for continued collaboration and a more unified approach to developing sports in Ireland. The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the value of the meaningful conversations held with key sports partners. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with influential decision-makers and action-takers, all focused on driving progress in Para sports. The relationships and ideas shared during this event will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the future of Para sport, inclusion, and athlete development across the country.”
