Disability Sport NI and Progressive Building Society today launched a new three–year partnership to support the development of Disability Sports Hubs across Northern Ireland, improving the health and wellbeing of people with disabilities. It will be the first time ever that Northern Ireland’s main disability sports charity will have 11 part time activity leaders based in every single council area.

The new programme will develop over 11,000 participation opportunities for people with disabilities, transforming access to disability sports in Northern Ireland.

The sponsorship will continue the momentum of the Active Living: No Limits 2021 Action Plan which has already seen up to £1,000,000 of disability sports equipment secured for the sector through Disability Sport NI and funded by the Department for Communities through Sport NI, an initiative that has been strongly supported by the local council areas.

Speaking about their support of the Disability Sports Hub project, Darina Armstrong, Progressive Building Society’s Chief Executive said, “Progressive has been operating for over 100 years with 12 branches across Northern Ireland and we are committed to making a valuable contribution to local people and communities.  That is why we are so passionate about supporting the significant impact that Disability Sport NI is having on the health and well–being of those living with a disability across Northern Ireland.

“Our staff are looking forward to supporting Disability Sport NI in their vision for an inclusive society and we are very excited about this partnership which is set to take disability sports to a new level.”

According to Disability Sports NI, The Disability Sports Hub Project truly optimises what can be achieved through strong collaborative partnerships between the public, voluntary and private sectors. Speaking at the launch Kevin O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer of Disability Sport NI said,

‘This project realises the beginning of our long–term vision to bring disability sports clubs and programmes to people with a disability in every area of Northern Ireland. We are totally committed to building a more inclusive society where people with disabilities have the same opportunity as non–disabled people to lead a full, active and healthy lifestyle through sport and active recreation.

“We are delighted with the support of Progressive which will help us improve the lives of thousands of disabled people across Northern Ireland through sport and active recreation.

Progressive is a great partner for our charity and we look forward to fully embracing a strong working relationship with them.”

The Disability Sports Hub Project will continue to develop new clubs and programmes to include programmes such as wheelie active, wheelchair basketball, boccia, sensory and inclusive cycling. This project will raise the visibility of disability sports opportunities and encourage more people with a disability to be active and be the best.