University of Limerick plays host to Paralympics Ireland’s Allianz NextGen programme on campus this weekend, furthering its commitment to inclusive sport.
This initiative gives young people with disabilities the opportunity to try para sports and see where those opportunities might lead.
The University – through UL Sport - has strategic partnerships in place with many national governing bodies and committees for sport, including Triathlon Ireland and Swim Ireland, and plays a key role in supporting the development of sport across all disciplines.
The NextGen programme is for those aged 14 and over who are starting their journey in Para Triathlon and Para Cycling. Participants will also be introduced to a mix of sports, including Para Climbing, Para Canoe, Guide Running, and Para Archery, with support from experienced coaches and high-performance staff.
These events are part of a wider commitment from Paralympics Ireland and its partners to increase access, understanding and participation in para sport throughout the country. It also highlights the university’s ongoing commitment to supporting para-athletes and opening up opportunities for them.
Paralympics Ireland Sports Director Neasa Russell spoke about the importance of the NextGen initiative in developing future para-athletes.
“The Allianz NextGen event underscores our commitment to nurturing emerging talent in para sport in Ireland. Building on the success of previous events, which received fantastic feedback and revealed a clear appetite for para sport, we remain focused on empowering the next generation of athletes to reach their full potential.”
Irish Paralympian rower and UL graduate Tiarnán O’Donnell is a NextGen programme ambassador who understands the power that exposure to para sport can have. Drawing on his own journey, he hopes this event will inspire the next generation of athletes to take that first step.
“The Allianz NextGen event is where I discovered my Paralympic potential. It opened my eyes to all the different sports available to those with disabilities. As a result of this event I can now proudly call myself a Paralympian! I can’t wait to see who will discover their potential in Para Sport at these upcoming events!”
Parents, volunteers and coaches are encouraged to attend sessions to learn more about how to best support young para-athletes in training and in daily life.
To find out more about the programme, visit https://paralympics.ie/nextgen