Major Success for Mayo Sports Partnership at National Sports Disability Inclusion Awards

Date: 02-05-2025

Active Disability Ireland was delighted to host the inaugural National Xcessible Awards on April 30th at the Johnstown House Hotel, County Meath. The prestigious event marked a powerful celebration of inclusion in sport, honouring five years of hard work and dedication by National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) across Ireland.

Mayo Sports Partnership picked up 3 awards being the only Sports Partnership in the country to achieve both the bronze and silver accolade in addition to a special recognition award in ensuring access to inclusive and accessible environments.

The National Xcessible Awards were created to recognise and celebrate the ongoing commitment to inclusion within the Irish sporting sector. They are a testament to the collective efforts being made nationwide to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in all aspects of sport and physical activity. Over the past five years, tremendous progress has been made to ensure people with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity — and the Xcessible Awards shine a well-deserved spotlight on that transformative work.

"These awards are more than recognition — they are a celebration of meaningful change and a reflection of our shared vision for an inclusive sporting landscape in Ireland," said Brenda O’Donnell, CEO of Active Disability Ireland. "We’re incredibly proud to host this event and to celebrate the outstanding contributions of so many passionate individuals and organisations."

The event was expertly hosted by MC Rob Hartnett, who guided attendees through the celebration, shining a light on the organisations and individuals who have been pivotal in advancing inclusion.

The programme was shaped around five key pillars of the Xcessible Programme – Openness, People, Facilities, Activities, and Promotion – with each representing a cornerstone of inclusive practice. Awards were presented to commend those who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to making sport and physical activity more accessible for all.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Xcessible Special Recognition Awards, acknowledging exceptional dedication to the principles of inclusion and accessibility in sport to both organisations and individuals

“All of us in Mayo Sports Partnership are delighted we are being recognised for all the collaborative effort with many organisations to improve participation by people with a disability in sport & physical activity,” said Sports Partnership Head Charlie Lambert. “ A special word for our Sports Inclusion Disability Officer Ray Mc Namara who has worked so hard in this area along with all the Sports Partnership team, committee and partners .”

The event was closed by Senator Nikki Bradley, who spoke about her own experiences in sport and physical activity as a person with a disability. Nikki recognised the efforts of NGBs and LSPs in fostering an inclusive culture, both within their organisations and in the wider community. "Fostering a positive and inclusive environment across the sector is essential to

The event will be held every second year, inspiring continued progress and collaboration under the banner of #JourneyOfInclusion. For more information about the Xcessible Awards and Active Disability Ireland’s work, visit www.activedisability.ie or follow us on socials.

Award recipients on the day were as follows:

Special Recognition Award Winners:

These categories are framed under the Sports Inclusion Disability Charter headings and recognise organisations who have gone above and beyond: