Paralympics Ireland was delighted to attend the official launch of The Vision Impaired & Physical Disability (VIP) Hub in Portlaoise a historic milestone that sees Ireland’s first dedicated community sports hub for people with visual impairments and physical disabilities brought to life by Laois Sports Partnership.
The event marks the culmination of years of collaboration between Laois Sports Partnership (LSP), local partners and national organisations who share a mission to remove barriers and expand inclusive sport. Following the success of early collaborative projects, LSP applied for support through the Sport Ireland Dormant Accounts Fund, informed by extensive consultation during the Laois Sports Partnership Strategic Plan 2022–2026. This process clearly identified a need to grow existing initiatives and build new pathways for people with additional needs.
A New Model for Inclusive Community Sport
The aim of the VIP Hub is simple yet transformative: to increase sport and physical activity opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments across Co. Laois. As Ireland’s first Vision Impaired Community Physical Activity Hub, it will promote inclusion, provide training, and support collaboration with both local and national bodies to broaden accessible sport opportunities.
Key partners contributing to the development and delivery of the hub include Vision Sports Ireland, Laois Offaly ETB, Portlaoise College, Athletics Ireland, Laois Athletics, IWA Laois, IWA Sport, Portlaoise AFC, Laois Leisure Portlaoise, The Heath Golf Club, Laois Cycling & Touring Club, along with an impressive network of local clubs and volunteers.
In 2023 alone, LSP engaged 3,164 participants across 94 programmes, many of whom were people with disabilities—and the majority of whom were not meeting the National Physical Activity Guidelines. The need for sustained, structured opportunities was overwhelming, and the VIP Hub now stands as a direct response to that gap.
A Legacy of Participation and Paralympic Pathways
The hub builds on a strong foundation of inclusive sport in Laois. Over the past five years, local programmes have offered a diverse range of activities including goalball, spinning, tandem cycling, wrestling, kayaking, canoeing, guide running, athletics, golf, Couch to 5k programmes, water sports camps and more.
Laois has also played a remarkable role in developing Paralympic talent. Since the Sports Inclusion Disability Officer (SIDO) programme began in 2005, five Paralympians have progressed through Laois Sports Partnership pathways:
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Garrett Culliton
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Mary Fitzgerald
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Ailish Dunne
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Nicole Turner
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Gary O’Reilly
Gary O’Reilly began his handcycling journey through LSP programmes after a serious workplace accident changed the course of his life, eventually becoming a Paralympic medallist. Nicole Turner first entered swimming through Laois Marlins, whose inclusive Star Squad model continues to support athletes with disabilities at every stage.
These stories underline why community-first initiatives like the VIP Hub are so essential. They build confidence, create belonging, and often become the first step on a pathway to high-performance sport.
Paralympics Ireland was honoured to witness the launch of such a transformative and ambitious project. The VIP Hub stands as a shining example of how local commitment and national collaboration can create life changing opportunities. It embodies the principles that guide the Paralympic movement equity, empowerment, and excellence.
We congratulate Laois Sports Partnership, its staff, volunteers, partner organisations and athletes for bringing this vision to life. This hub will enrich lives, strengthen communities, and open new pathways for participation and performance. Paralympics Ireland looks forward to continuing to support and champion initiatives like this, which ensure that athletes of all abilities can enjoy, compete and thrive in sport.
The VIP Hub officially launched on November 28, accompanied by the release of its first strategy document ushering in a bold new chapter for inclusive sport in Ireland.
