Special Olympics Ireland’s inclusive impact recognised at the 2026 Irish Sport Industry Awards

Special Olympics Ireland is delighted to be the recipient of the 2026 Irish Sport Industry Award for Best Initiative to Promote Disability in Sport & Physical Activity. 

The Award, announced and presented at the 2026 Federation of Irish Sport Industry Awards at the College Green Banking Hall, Dublin, recognised our progress in transforming lives through sport. We drive inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities by combining strong grassroots community presence, long-term strategic planning, innovation and collaboration, and a holistic approach to developing and facilitating opportunities for athletes to develop skills, engage in enriching experiences, and develop leadership skills and community links. 

Central to our approach are the relationships we build and cultivate with a broad range of stakeholders. We work across sectors with education providers, healthcare professionals, corporate partners, local mainstream sports clubs and other Governing Bodies for sport, to co-create opportunities informed by the lived experience of the athletes.

Special Olympics Ireland Chief Executive Officer Karen Coventry said: “Special Olympics Ireland is honoured to be recognised for the difference we make to the lives of people in communities across Ireland. From grassroots clubs at the local level to the international stage of Games and competitions, we strive to give people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to experience inclusion and community, and to develop their individual talents and qualities.” 

“As we prepare to hold the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games in June, Ireland’s largest inclusive sporting event of the year, this Award is a reminder of the impact that sport can have. Our movement would not be possible without crucial partnerships across a range of sectors, and we are thankful to our partners for working with us on the journey to an inclusive world through sport”.

The Awards, now in their ninth year, provided a national platform where sport, diplomacy, and business converged, showcasing how Ireland can turn global sporting connections into real growth. Special guest speakers on the night included a keynote address from Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, Minister Charlie McConalogue TD and a fireside chat with Minister for International Development and Diaspora, Minister Neale Richmond TD on 'Sport as Ireland’s Global Soft Power'.
 
There were 13 award categories in total recognising commercial partnerships, use of communications, innovation, collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability.