The Xcessible programme supports National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) in creating meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sport and physical activity. The newly launched Xcessible Gold criteria provides a pathway for these organisations to embed a culture of inclusion at the highest level.
Following the launch at Sport Ireland Campus on Tuesday, 6th October, Active Disability Ireland officially announced the Xcessible Gold criteria as part of the Xcessible programme.
The programme is designed to empower NGBs and LSPs to function inclusively and provide high-quality opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sport and physical activity, including opportunities in participation, performance, education and training.
Currently, four NGBs and one LSPs have achieved the Silver standard, while eight NGBs and eight LSPs have achieved the Bronze standard. A further 14 NGBs and 19 LSPs are currently working towards achieving the Bronze standard of the Xcessible programme.
Speaking at the launch of the Gold criteria, Active Disability Ireland Strategic Operations Manager Stephanie MacSweeney shared:
Building on the framework established by the Bronze and Silver criteria, the Xcessible Gold Award has been developed using the Sport Inclusion Disability Charter as a guiding tool. NGBs and LSPs are supported throughout their journey under the five headings of Openness, People, Activities, Facilities and Promotion.
Gold represents the highest standard within the Xcessible programme, recognising organisations that demonstrate a strong commitment to embedding and sustaining inclusion across all aspects of their work. Regular reviews will take place to ensure that the standard achieved is maintained.
Speaking about the programme, Xcessible Panel Chairperson Oisin Jordan of Special Olympics Ireland shared:
The Process
Active Disability Ireland supports NGBs and LSPs throughout each stage of the Xcessible journey, helping them set realistic and manageable goals and deadlines to achieve the Bronze, Silver or Gold standard.
Each organisation is required to provide evidence of thier work and progress to present to an independent panel of experts, outlining its experiences, results and outcomes.
The panel acts as a sounding board, asking questions to encourage further discussion, clarify key points and challenge approaches, philosophies and actions where appropriate.
The Xcessible programme aligns with Active Disability Ireland’s vision of creating an Ireland where people with disabilities have equal opportunities to be active.
Start your journey
For more information or to get started on your Xcessible journey, contact Sport Inclusion Officer Patrick Monahan at pmonahan@activedisability.ie. For more information about the programme please visit: Active Disability Ireland.
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