Paralympics Ireland has become the first National Governing Body of sport in Ireland to discontinue its presence on X (formerly Twitter), marking a notable step in the evolving relationship between sport, digital platforms and organisational values.

Following a recent review of its digital communications, Paralympics Ireland confirmed that it will no longer post on X, citing a considered assessment of the platform’s performance across meaningful engagement, audience connection, and the quality of discussion.

The organisation stated that it regularly reviews how and where it communicates online to ensure its digital channels continue to reflect both its own values and those of the wider Paralympic Movement. That review concluded that its resources and focus would be better directed towards platforms that provide a more constructive and respectful environment for athletes, supporters, partners and staff.

“Paralympics Ireland regularly reviews how and where it communicates online to ensure its digital channels continue to reflect the values of the organisation and the Paralympic Movement,” it said ina statement.

“As part of a recent review, Paralympics Ireland has made the decision to discontinue posting on X. This reflects a considered assessment of how the platform is currently performing in the areas of meaningful engagement, audience connection and positive discussion.”

The move places Paralympics Ireland at the heart of a growing international debate in sport about the role and responsibility of governing bodies in choosing digital platforms that align with their missions.

While X remains a major global platform, concerns about moderation, the tone of discourse, and the reliability of information have prompted several high-profile sporting and public bodies to reassess their presence.

At Sport for Business, we have over 10,000 followers, but significantly reduced engagement levels and significantly raised concerns over the content appearing in general feeds meant we only posted twice in the last six months of 2025 and have no plans to do so in the immediate future.  I have not posted on my personal account in a year.

In Germany, cult football club FC St. Pauli announced in late 2023 that it would significantly reduce its activity on X, citing incompatibility with the club’s values around inclusion, anti-discrimination and respectful dialogue. St Pauli, long recognised for its strong social and political identity, stated that it did not believe the platform currently offered an environment consistent with those principles.

Similarly, Sport England has also stepped back from active use of X, signalling concerns around user experience and the platform’s ability to support constructive engagement. As one of the most influential public sports bodies in the UK, Sport England’s decision was widely seen as a signal that the issue extends beyond individual clubs or niche organisations and into the mainstream of sports governance.

Paralympics Ireland’s decision is notable not only because it is a first for an Irish NGB, but also because of the particular emphasis the Paralympic Movement places on dignity, respect and positive representation. The organisation has stressed that it is not withdrawing from digital engagement, but rather refocusing it.

Paralympics Ireland will continue to engage actively with audiences across its established digital channels, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and its official website, paralympics.ie. It will also explore emerging platforms that align with its communications objectives, including Bluesky, where it can be found at @paralympicsireland.bsky.social.

Importantly, the organisation has left the door open to future change, noting that it remains open to reviewing its approach to all platforms, including X, in line with developments in user experience, moderation practices and audience behaviour. Supporters are encouraged to stay connected through its official channels for the latest news, updates and athlete stories.

 

Sport for Business Perspective

Paralympics Ireland’s move reflects a broader shift in how sports organisations evaluate digital platforms — not simply on reach, but on alignment with values, quality of engagement and reputational risk. As brands, sponsors and governing bodies become more conscious of the environments they operate in, platform choice is increasingly a strategic decision. For rights-holders, this signals a future in which platforms earn presence through trust, moderation, and community standards, rather than assume it through scale alone.

 

 

 

 

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