New research project reveals untapped potential of Para sport in Ireland

Irish Examiner

7 days ago

A new report has revealed the barriers and the opportunities which exist within disability sport in Ireland. Gateways & Pathways: Athlete and Coach Experiences of Para Sport in Ireland was launched by Paralympics Ireland in partnership the University of Limerick on Wednesday.
Para sport athletes with congenital disabilities reported starting in their sport far later in life than non-Para athletes. For boys, it was at an average age of 12.6 years old and for girls much later at 21 years.
"This delayed entry can limit skill development and hinder long-term participation, as well as depriving the individual of the benefits of Para sport at a younger age," the report states.
That gender gap is also evident in how girls compared to boys were introduced to para sport: 9.3% vs 25% through schools; 2.3% vs 18.8% through siblings; and 11.6% vs 35% through rehabilitation centres, physiotherapists or physicians.
Athletes with acquired disabilities were far more likely to report experiencing barriers to participation compared to those with congenital disabilities, averaging 5.4 barriers compared to three. "Entry into Para sport is often more complex for those with acquired disabilities, and current structures appear to be inadequate to meet their needs," the report says.
Schools were found to be a missed opportunity for introductions to Para sport with less than one-fifth of participants beginning their sporting journey through a teacher or school. The report states that with proper structures and supports, schools could become a key access point to Para sport.
A lack of access to programmes and facilities was reported as a barrier by 30.9% while 27.6% said it hindered their ongoing participation. Those based outside cities reported an "overall lack of local Para sport options and the need to travel long distances to participate". The development of new clubs will be critical in improving the situation.
25% of athletes said they lacked regular coaching support with 15.3% training on their own and another 9.9% training with other athletes but without a coach.
"A multitude of promising 'sources' of Para coaches were also mentioned in the interviews," the report states, "including retired athletes, parents, and non-Para coaches – but no formal initiative appears to be in place to fully leverage these groups to increase the number of coaches in the Para sport system. Coaches also spoke of feeling isolated, underappreciated and unrecognised efforts to remedy this should be explored also. There is a clear need for a national strategy to recruit, develop, and retain Para sport coaches."
There were also found to be many positives associated with disability sport in Ireland, ones which makes the opportunities even greater.
"The impact of Para sport went far beyond health and well-being," the report says.
"Most athletes cited improved independence, self-confidence, and social connection, to name but a few, as benefits that kept them involved in Para sport. Benefits such as travel, a sense of accomplishment, and belonging were frequently cited as key motivators also.
"Interviewees also spoke about the importance of being with others who share similar lived experiences of having a disability; for many interviewees, Para sport was the first setting in which this occurred.
"There is a need to raise awareness of the transformative potential of Para sport for all people with disabilities beyond the typical benefits associated with sport. Greater recognition of these wider impacts can help drive increased participation among athletes and coaches, while also building broader support for Para sport across Irish society."