Basketball Ireland pick up Bronze and Silver National Xcessible Awards

Basketball Ireland's committment to inclusion was recognised by Active Disability Ireland ealier this week, as we picked up  bronze and silver National Xcessible Awards at an event in the Johnstown House Hotel.

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.

Grants and Participation Manager Paul Carr and Registrations and Competitions Officer Daryl Lambe collected the awards on behalf of Basketball Ireland.

The National Xcessible Awards were created to recognise and celebrate the ongoing emphasis on 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."

 Basketball Ireland Grants and Participation Manager Paul Carr speaking with MC Rob Hartnett at Active Disability Ireland's National Xcessible Awards.

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

“This day is about celebrating the people and organisations that have made inclusion a priority,” said Brian O’Callaghan, Chairperson of Active Disability Ireland. “Their work is changing lives, breaking down barriers, and making sport and physical activity truly welcoming for everyone.”

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 creating greater opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in physical activity and sport. Nikki acknowledged that true inclusion is not about ticking boxes, and highlighted the Xcessible Programme as a valuable resource  to help organisations take meaningful, impactful steps toward genuine inclusivity."