Sport Ireland will later today officially launch the inaugural Sport Ireland Disability in Sport Week 2025 (Spórt Éireann Seachtain Náisiúnta Míchumais sa Spórt 2025), a new nationwide initiative dedicated to celebrating the contributions, leadership and achievements of people with disabilities across Irish sport.
Running from December 1st–7th, the week-long campaign carries the theme “Celebrating Ability / Ag Ceiliúradh Cumas” and will champion participants, coaches, officials, volunteers and leaders who shape inclusive sport in communities across the country.
The campaign marks an important cross-sector visibility initiative, uniting Sport Ireland, National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships and funded organisations in a coordinated national effort to elevate disability inclusion in sport.
Sport for Business will be supporting it with a series of articles and features throughout the week, and we will be participating in the Active Disability Ireland Annual Conference on Wednesday.
Launch Event – Monday, December 1st (Later Today)
The week will officially begin this afternoon at the Sport Ireland Campus, where Sport Ireland will host a special Celebrating Ability launch event bringing together athletes, administrators, policy leaders and inclusion practitioners from across the sector.
The launch will feature contributions from the Chair and CEO of Sport Ireland, alongside Sport Ireland’s Disability in Sport Lead, Ger McTavish, and leading para-athletes, including Orla Comerford and Jason Smyth.
Discussions will focus on leadership, collaboration and the shared ambition to create an Irish sports system that is welcoming and accessible for all.
Each day of the campaign will highlight a different pillar of inclusion:
Monday, Dec 1 – Leadership
Official launch event on campus.
Tuesday, Dec 2 – Communication
A special webinar, “Coaching the Athlete – Celebrating Ability” (LINK), focusing on communication, athlete experience and inclusive coaching practice.
Wednesday, Dec 3 – Capacity
Aligned with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), Wednesday will spotlight capacity-building across Irish sport and feature significant participation in the Active Disability Ireland Conference, one of the sector’s flagship annual events.
Thursday, Dec 4 – Access
A nationwide showcase of inclusive programmes delivered by Local Sports Partnerships, National Governing Bodies and Sport Inclusion Disability Officers.
Friday, Dec 5 – Change
Further highlighting systems change and sectoral innovation through case studies, club profiles, and best-practice stories.
Saturday, Dec 6 – Local Participation
Celebrating community-led participation with local clubs, volunteers and disability sports groups across Ireland.
Sunday, Dec 7 – Active Participation
Closing the week by spotlighting inclusive participation in action across all levels of sport.
Midweek attention will turn to Wednesday’s Active Disability Ireland Conference, coinciding with International Day for Persons with a Disability.
The conference will bring together practitioners, policymakers, advocates and sport organisations to share insights, research and lived experience on inclusive participation.
It is expected to be one of the key moments of the week, reinforcing the sectorcommitment to building capacity across the national sport system.
Sport Ireland Disability in Sport Week 2025 aims not only to celebrate achievement, but to accelerate progress — ensuring people with disabilities can participate fully and confidently in sport at every level.
Image Credits: Sport for Business
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Read our Sport for Business Coverage of Venues
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January 2026 – The Sporting Year Ahead 2026 in partnership with Teneo – Launching Soon
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