Start Date
16-6-2025 3:30 PM
End Date
16-6-2025 5:00 PM
Abstract
The PTSB NextGen Community Series programme focused on learning more about para sport and what opportunities exist in local communities prior to, and following, the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
• Main aims:
1: Positive athlete experience
2: A follow up para Sport opportunity within local community and/or with chosen NGB.
In years 1 & 2, NextGen was open to people aged 10 and older that have a physical, or sensory impairment, with or without previous sport experience. Current or former athletes from all levels aiming to discover a new sport or find another, that compliments their main discipline attended the come and try events. Following participation at our NextGen events; participants are signposted to connect with the closest local sport they are interested in or to National Governing Bodies to learn about, and develop their skills within a chosen sport. This ensures, opportunities to connect with local sports clubs, beginning or continuing your para sport journey.
Looking forward to the LA 2028 cycle, we hope to expand the Next Gen initiative within the Community Para Sport Network, a two-pronged approach that builds on our existing NextGen Series while adding critical new elements:
1. NextGen Series Events
These remain the cornerstone of our initiative, focusing on:
Discovering Potential: Regional events where individuals with disabilities can try out various para sports in an inclusive, supportive environment.
NGB are the key collaborators. Partnering with 12+ governing bodies to provide tailored expertise and pathways for participants
2. Non-NGB Stakeholder Roadshows
The new addition to our framework introduces roadshow-style educational workshops and events, aimed at targeting non NGB community partners as key collaborators:
Community Education: Engaging coaches, teachers, volunteers, and families to build their understanding of para sport opportunities and inclusive practices.
Workshops for Skill Development: Covering topics such as adaptive coaching techniques, classification systems, and how to create inclusive sports environments.
Awareness Campaigns: Ensuring that families and local clubs are aware of para sport options, paving the way for easier entry points for individuals with disabilities.
Recommended Citation
Horan, Cliona Ms, "Paralympics Ireland NextGen community series" (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 26.
https://sword.mtu.ie/isapa/2025/day1/26
Paralympics Ireland NextGen community series
The PTSB NextGen Community Series programme focused on learning more about para sport and what opportunities exist in local communities prior to, and following, the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
• Main aims:
1: Positive athlete experience
2: A follow up para Sport opportunity within local community and/or with chosen NGB.
In years 1 & 2, NextGen was open to people aged 10 and older that have a physical, or sensory impairment, with or without previous sport experience. Current or former athletes from all levels aiming to discover a new sport or find another, that compliments their main discipline attended the come and try events. Following participation at our NextGen events; participants are signposted to connect with the closest local sport they are interested in or to National Governing Bodies to learn about, and develop their skills within a chosen sport. This ensures, opportunities to connect with local sports clubs, beginning or continuing your para sport journey.
Looking forward to the LA 2028 cycle, we hope to expand the Next Gen initiative within the Community Para Sport Network, a two-pronged approach that builds on our existing NextGen Series while adding critical new elements:
1. NextGen Series Events
These remain the cornerstone of our initiative, focusing on:
Discovering Potential: Regional events where individuals with disabilities can try out various para sports in an inclusive, supportive environment.
NGB are the key collaborators. Partnering with 12+ governing bodies to provide tailored expertise and pathways for participants
2. Non-NGB Stakeholder Roadshows
The new addition to our framework introduces roadshow-style educational workshops and events, aimed at targeting non NGB community partners as key collaborators:
Community Education: Engaging coaches, teachers, volunteers, and families to build their understanding of para sport opportunities and inclusive practices.
Workshops for Skill Development: Covering topics such as adaptive coaching techniques, classification systems, and how to create inclusive sports environments.
Awareness Campaigns: Ensuring that families and local clubs are aware of para sport options, paving the way for easier entry points for individuals with disabilities.