Disability Sport NI has today launched the next phase of its Cmon Play campaign, a drive to grow wheelchair basketball across Northern Ireland and open the sport up to more players at every stage of the sporting pathway. 

Supported by funding from Sport NI, the relaunch aims to reach more participants including junior players, and adults who have never had the chance to try the game. Key to the campaign is professionals in health, education and leisure sectors, targeting teachers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and coaches who are often best placed to spot someone who could thrive on court and point them towards opportunities. 

Wheelchair basketball is widely regarded as one of the most inclusive sports for athletes with physical impairments, yet awareness remains low. The campaign aims to change that, building on the success of its first phase by reaching the people who support disabled people in everyday settings. A new suite of materials, including a campaign video and a series of posters, has been designed for display in schools, clinics, therapy settings and sports clubs. 

The relaunch comes at a time of real momentum for the sport. Following the first campaign and continued investment, wheelchair basketball has grown significantly across Northern Ireland, with pathways for players of every level. The NI Wheelchair Basketball League hosts monthly game days, where clubs compete across the season before the annual Finals Day amongst the six regional clubs. Youth development has been a particular focus in recent years: a dedicated junior programme now supports young athletes through structured training, regional festivals and competitive opportunities that build both skills and inclusion. 

Players from the NI Academy squad took time from their training session to support the campaign as they prepare to compete at this weekend’s Home Nations Cup in Nottingham. An invitation-based performance programme, the NI Academy develops male and female athletes for elite-level competition. The Home Nations Cup is an international competition which sees England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales compete for the title, with the Celtic Cup awarded to the highest-placed Celtic nation. 

Speaking at the launch Disability Sport NI’s Performance Pathways Officer, Danny Cooper said: 

“We know from speaking to current players just how important it is to have someone signpost them to sport. Some of our players got involved simply because someone made them aware of wheelchair basketball and encouraged them to come and try it. With more clubs locally and strong pathways to take part, the sport is more accessible than ever, and we really want this campaign to help it grow the sport across Northern Ireland.” 

You can view the campaign video below:

To find out information  on how you can support and to avail of promotional resources contact Disability Sport NI on 028 90 469 925 or email@dsni.co.uk

Pictured above members of NI Academy Wheelchair Basketball squad in preparation for 2026 Home Nations Cup