Council has pledged its ongoing commitment to supporting Disability Sport NI to promote inclusion for disabled people by ensuring equal opportunities exist in sport and physical activity.
Launched in February 2025, ‘All Equal All Active’ is Disability Sport NI’s Call to Action Campaign, which highlights the underrepresentation of disabled people in sport and physical activity and urges organisations across NI to improve the health and wellbeing of disabled people.
Since 2019/20 there has been an unprecedented 18% drop in the number of disabled people participating in sport and physical activity here and key organisations in the health, education, and sports and leisure sectors are being urged to tackle this crisis in participation by committing to a series of priority actions.
ABC Council has been recognised as a model of good practice with the Get Out, Get Active (GOGA) in Action programme and the Inclusive Sport and Leisure Project.
Lord Mayor Alderman Stephen Moutary said: “Across council we have a shared ambition of providing opportunities which improve the quality of life and wellbeing for everyone in our communities. I am delighted to see that the Get Out Get Active programme and the Inclusive Sport and Leisure project have been highlighted as sector leading examples of best practice.
“To demonstrate our ongoing commitment to ensuring sport and physical activity are inclusive for all, we recently extended these inclusive projects, which will see them continue across the borough until March 2028.”
The Get Out, Get Active In Action programme is an inclusive activity programme for disabled and non-disabled adults across the borough, encouraging regular activity and social interaction. Adapted for all abilities, the activities are particularly suitable for people who have been inactive and include Tai Chi, GOGA Fit and Nordic Walking.
The Inclusive Sport and Leisure Project develops opportunities for disabled people to take part in sport at both a recreational and competitive level. Opportunities include the Autism and Sport Programme, Wheelie Active, Inclusive Gym Programme, Craigavon Boccia Club and South Lake Disability Sports Clubs.
The Disability Sport NI Call to Action will address five key issues, including the need for more local sports opportunities for disabled people; more inclusive sports facilities and equipment; more inclusive Governing Body of Sport programmes; equal access to PE and School Sport for disabled children and better promotion of inclusive sports opportunities.
Find out more about inclusive sport with ABC Council at https://getactiveabc.com/get-moving-programmes/
