2 July 2025

SDLP Councillor Declan Norris has called for urgent action to ensure that people with disabilities can access sport at every level - in schools, in communities, and at elite competition.

The call comes after Cllr Norris hosted Derry-born Paralympic gold medallist Jason Smyth at Stormont this week, where he met with SDLP MLAs to discuss the need for a better and more joined-up approach to improving access to sport for disabled people.

Figures from Disability Sport NI reveal an 18% drop in participation among disabled people in Northern Ireland over the past five years. The report also found that disabled people are less than half as likely to be members of sports clubs compared to non-disabled people.

Councillor Declan Norris said:

“While anti-discrimination laws and reasonable adjustment duties exist, the reality is that many people with disabilities still face major barriers to participating in sport and physical activity.

“Northern Ireland has produced world-class disabled athletes like Jason Smyth - the fastest Paralympian on the planet - as well as paratriathletes Judith and Chloe McComb, Paralympic swimmer Bethany Firth, and many more. However, they have often had to train in sub-standard facilities with inadequate equipment.

The SDLP Education spokesperson Cara Hunter MLA added:

“We must do more to ensure disabled people have the same opportunities as everyone else, from early participation in schools and local communities to elite competition. Every child and every person deserve the chance to play, compete, and thrive through sport, including those with a disability or special educational needs. We need to break down barriers so that no one is left on the sidelines.”

The SDLP is calling on the Northern Ireland Executive to work closely with schools, local councils, and community organisations to halt the decline in participation and build an inclusive sporting environment that leaves no one behind.