Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD, said:

“Every person should have the opportunity to participate in sport and unfortunately there is an enduring participation gap with regards to persons living with a disability and those without such challenges.    

Sport and physical activity is crucial for the health and wellbeing of our society. I am a firm believer that all people should have the right to enjoy sport which brings so much to all our lives. As Minister, I am committed to making sport more accessible to people with disabilities by breaking down the barriers they currently face.   

Sport Ireland is committed to closing the participation gap and this week’s events will highlight the contributions of people with disabilities who participate, coach, officiate, volunteer, and lead in sport.”  

Disability in Sport Week is a cross-sector visibility campaign dedicated to disability in sport, which will also spotlight the work of Sport Ireland, National Governing Bodies (NGBs), Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs), and funded bodies that drive disability participation.   

Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue TD, said:

“The Government is committed to a ‘Sport for All’ approach as set out in the National Sports Policy. Sport plays a vital role with regard to social inclusion, however, there is more work to do in relation to people living with disabilities.    

As Minister for Sport, I want to ensure that having a disability presents no obstacle to participating in sport and physical activity. Increased funding for sport has enabled Sport Ireland to appoint a Disability in Sport Lead and establish a dedicated Disability in Sport funding stream. I hope that this week’s events allied to the increased resources will serve as a catalyst for making our sporting community more inclusive.”  

Minister of State with responsibility for Disability Emer Higgins said:

“I’m delighted to be launching the first-ever Sport Ireland Disability in Sport Week on the Sport Ireland Campus. This initiative reflects the strong commitment of both the Government and Sport Ireland to ensuring that every person, regardless of background, circumstance, or need, has the opportunity to participate, compete, and thrive.”   

Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said:

“Inclusion through sport means recognising the potential and talent in every individual, placing ability before disability.  

When we prioritise inclusion, we create environments where everyone is welcomed, everyone is valued, and everyone belongs. This is the power of sport: it connects us, it lifts us, and it reminds us that there is a place for all of us.”  

Mary van Lieshout, Sport Ireland Director of Participation Ethics Integrity and Research, said:

“At Sport Ireland we’re committed to taking a leadership role and fostering collaboration within the sport sector. As part of this we’re dedicated to continually enhancing our understanding of the barriers to disability participation in sport and physical activity.   

Sport Ireland is going to be seeking out and investing in funding opportunities to develop sustainable participation opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The aim is to create lasting impact and meaningful change in the realm of disability sports through proactive leadership and strategic partnerships.  

It’s not just going to be about us talking at people with disabilities, we’re going to be actively listening to them as well. It’s a big reason that we’re so happy that three of our great paralympians in Orla Comerford, Jason Smyth and Deirdre Morgan are going to attend our leadership event to launch the week.”

Geraldine McTavish, Sport Ireland Disability in Sport Lead, said:

“This week marks a nationwide celebration of inclusion, leadership, and opportunity across Irish sport.   

All this week we’ll be highlighting the achievements of athletes and advocates with disabilities, showcasing inclusive programmes and local champions, and inspiring action under the five pillars of Sport Ireland’s Disability Inclusion in Sport Policy: Leadership, Capacity, Communication, Change, and Access.   

As we celebrate ability, we also commit to continued progress: strengthening partnerships, improving accessibility, and ensuring every person, regardless of ability, can participate, perform, and enjoy sport. Together, we’re reinforcing that sport and physical activity are fundamental rights - open to everyone, everywhere.”  

Sport Ireland Disability in Sport Week 2025 (Spórt Éireann Seachtain Míchumais sa Spórt 2025), takes place from December 1st to 7th, and will celebrate the theme: “Celebrating Ability” / “Ag Ceiliúradh Cumas”.    

The Week is organised along the following themes: - 

Monday December 1st: Leadership / Ceannasaíocht - Sport Ireland will host a dedicated sector leadership event on the Sport Ireland Campus. In attendance will be the Sport Ireland board & Disability Committee, LSP coordinators, NGB CEOs, Sport Ireland directors and staff. Activist and sports journalist Joanne O’Riordan will emcee the event which will be attended by Ireland’s most successful ever paralympian Jason Smyth, former Irish Paralympian Deirdre Morgan, and double world champion Orla Comerford. 

Tuesday December 2nd: Communcation / Cumarsáid - From 8-9pm Sport Ireland is hosting a ‘Coaching Athletes with a Disability’ webinar. Click here to register.  

Wednesday December 3rd: Capacity / Cumas - On Wednesday, International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), Geraldine McTavish, Sport Ireland Disability in Sport Lead, will be taking part in the Active Disability Ireland Annual Conference in Johnstown Estate in Co Meath.  

Thursday December 4th: Access / Rochtain - Thursday will showcase the work of Sport Inclusion Disability Officers and disability work by LSPs/NGBs and funded bodies.  

Friday December 5th: Change / Athrú - Friday will showcase the outstanding disability work carried out by LSPs/NGBs and funded bodies. 

Saturday, December 6th: Active Participation / Rannpháirtí - A day to celebrate community participation and disability engagement highlights. 

Sunday, December 7th: Active Participation / Rannpháirtí - A day to celebrate participation and inclusive sport in action.