Active Disability Ireland announces Key Voices in Disability and Sport for the National Conference  

Active Disability Ireland is proud to welcome a line-up of leading voices in disability and sport to challenge perceptions, share lived experiences and discuss creating equal opportunities for people with disabilities to be active. The annual conference will take place on Wednesday, 3rd December, at The Johnstown Estate, County Meath, marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities. 

Minister for Sport, Charlie McConalogue will welcome the audience before joining Adam Harris (CEO of AsIAm) and Ger McTavish (Disability Sport Lead, Sport Ireland) to discuss driving inclusion across Ireland’s sporting landscape on a national level. 

Active Disability Ireland CEO, Brenda O’Donnell shared,  

“The momentum for inclusive sport for people with disabilities in Ireland has never been stronger. Our annual conference has become a national platform for collaboration — uniting government, sport organisations and people with disabilities to drive real change. This year, we’re celebrating that progress while continuing to influence thinking and challenge perceptions, pushing for equal participation for all.” 

The conference will feature powerful voices of people with disabilities to uncover their stories and provide insight into the transformative power of sport and physical activity.  

We are thrilled to announce an exciting line-up of guests, with engaging keynote speakers and surprise guests to be revealed on the day. 

• Keynote Speaker 1: Jay Lusted is a Welsh actor who has built a career in the public eye through theatre, television and presenter appearances on the BBC and Channel 4. Born with dwarfism, Jay uses his platform to inspire inclusion and challenge perceptions of disability, having starred in powerful campaigns such as Badminton Wales’s ‘Can You Manage’ campaign. 

• Personal Reflection: Liam Beville holds a Guinness World Record, is a multiple World & European medallist and is the #1 powerlifter in the world for the deadlift. Competing solely in mainstream competition despite having a disability, Liam continues to break the barriers and use his story to inspire personal resilience. 

• Personal Reflection: Chloe Whelan is a 21-year-old Irish dancer who has made history by becoming the first World Champion Irish Dancer with a vision impairment. Chloe is a sports enthusiast and has recently joined us as an Active Disability Ireland Brand Ambassador, hoping to inspire others by showing that anything is possible with determination and belief in yourself. 

• Unscripted Conversations with Rob Hartnett (Sport for Business): Rob Hartnett will host an exciting segment on the day, meeting three surprise guests live on stage for a candid conversation. Together, they’ll uncover three stories offering unique perspectives from the world of disability and sport.  

Ticket sales close on Monday, November 24th . Get yours now via Eventbrite: Tickets available here