Disability Sport NI is delighted to present five Governing Bodies of Sport with the first stage of its newly revamped Inclusive Sport Award, recognising their commitment to creating a more inclusive sporting environment for disabled people across Northern Ireland.

Since the introduction of Sport NI’s disability mainstreaming policy in 2005, Disability Sport NI has worked in close partnership with Governing Bodies to develop meaningful progress in inclusion. The Inclusive Sport Award builds on these relationships by supporting and encouraging organisations to expand opportunities for disabled people to participate, perform, coach, officiate, and volunteer across a wide range of sports.

To date, 14 Governing Bodies are actively progressing through the award, working towards the three stages: Commit, Develop, and Embed. Each stage enables organisations to build on their achievements, strengthen knowledge, increase awareness, and enhance their capacity to provide inclusive opportunities within their sport.

Throughout March, representatives from Athletics NI, British Gymnastics, RYA Northern Ireland, Ulster GAA and Ulster Rugby delivered detailed presentations to a Disability Sport NI review panel. These presentations highlighted the progress made within their organisations, resulting in all five being awarded the Inclusive Sport Award – Commit stage.

The review process provided an important platform for each Governing Body to demonstrate both their achievements and the impact of their work. Recognising that each sport operates within different structures and resources, Disability Sport NI offers tailored support, helping organisations set realistic and meaningful inclusion goals.

To achieve the Commit stage, organisations completed objectives across seven priority areas, including:

• Embedding inclusion at a strategic level
• Developing an inclusive workforce
• Creating meaningful participation pathways for disabled athletes
• Expanding access to coach education
• Supporting inclusive club environments
• Strengthening inclusive communications
• Improving access to facilities

Disability Sport NI will continue to guide and support each Governing Body throughout the award journey, with organisations required to evidence their progress as they move through each stage.

The Inclusive Sport Award not only celebrates progress but also provides a clear pathway for continued development within each sport. By engaging with the programme, Governing Bodies are helping to create more welcoming club environments, develop inclusive coaching pathways, and increase opportunities for disabled athletes to participate and compete at levels appropriate to them.

Kevin O’Neill (Disability Sport NI CEO) commented “

“We are delighted to recognise the first five sports to achieve the Commit stage of the Inclusive Sport Award. It has been encouraging to see the progress each organisation has made, and the dedication they have shown throughout this journey.

Each governing body has delivered meaningful achievements within their own sport, and the staff involved have set a strong example that will inspire others to create more inclusive opportunities.

With disabled people currently making up thirteen percent of sports club members in Northern Ireland, there is a clear need for continued action. It is vital that all sports commit to developing inclusive pathways, and we are confident that the support provided through the Inclusive Sport Award will help embed lasting change across the sector.”

For further information about the Inclusive Sport Award and for full list of Governing Bodies working towards the award, please click here.

Disability Sport NI CEO Kevin O’Neill (L) presenting Athletics NI’s Heather Ardis (R) with Inclusive Sport Award – Commit stage.

Disability Sport NI presenting British Gymnastics with Inclusive Sport Award – Commit stage. (L-R) Kevin O’Neill (Disability Sport NI CEO), Susie Carty (British Gymnastics), Rebecca Morrow (British Gymnastics) and Chloe Patterson (British Gymnastics).

Disability Sport NI CEO Kevin O’Neill presenting RYA NI with Inclusive Sport Award – Commit stage. (L-R) Kevin O’Neill (Disability Sport NI CEO), Oran Young (RYA NI) and Mary Martin (RYA NI).

Disability Sport NI  presenting Ulster GAA with Inclusive Sport Award – Commit stage. (L-R) Paul Callaghan (Ulster GAA), Brian McAvoy (Ulster GAA Chief Executive), Bronagh Lennon (Ulster GAA), Michael Geoghegan (Ulster GAA President), Kevin O’Neill (Disability Sport NI CEO), Judith Cooper (Disability Sport NI) and Shane McCann (Ulster GAA).

Disability Sport NI  presenting  Ulster Rugby with Inclusive Sport Award – Commit stage. (L -R) Ally Skelding (Ulster Rugby), Kevin O’Neill (Disability Sport NI CEO), Shel Laffin (Ulster Rugby) and Paul Hart (Ulster Branch President).