Progressive Building Society has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to inclusive sport in Northern Ireland by extending its partnership with Disability Sport NI for a further five years.
The renewed partnership will fund the delivery of the Progressive Inclusive Sport Project between January 2026 and December 2030, building on a successful collaboration that has been in place since 2019 and reflecting Progressive’s core values and its community first focus.
Through the Progressive Inclusive Sport Project, thousands of disabled children, young people and adults across Northern Ireland will have greater access to sport and active recreation.
Designed to improve the health and wellbeing of disabled people throughout the region, the project will deliver 8,000 sports and active recreation participation opportunities every year, alongside at least eight community sports events annually, creating inclusive spaces where disabled people can be active, social and competitive.
The project will provide regular sport and active recreation sessions for people with physical, sensory and learning disabilities in adult centres, schools and leisure centres across Northern Ireland.
It will support Wheelie Active Clubs for young people with physical disabilities and their friends and siblings, as well as inclusive cycling programmes using tandem bikes, trikes and hand cycles based at District Council Disability Sports Hubs.
Michael Boyd, Progressive Building Society Chief Executive, described the role played by the disability sports organisation as vital to society.
“The renewal of our partnership until 2030 will ensure that those with disabilities can continue to avail of a variety of sporting opportunities across Northern Ireland,” he said.
“Disability Sport NI’s work in enhancing the lives of disabled people through active recreation and sport should not be underestimated.
“We at Progressive are delighted to support their work for a further five years and we can’t wait to see the inclusive disability sports events and activities that will be rolled out during that time.”
An annual calendar of community sports events will offer both recreational and competitive opportunities, while a dedicated club support initiative will help Disability Sport NI member groups and clubs to grow their programmes through small grants.
The partnership will also fund the development of talented athletes through the Northern Ireland Wheelchair Basketball Academy and Northern Ireland Boccia Academy, ensuring a pathway for those who wish to progress in high-performance disability sport.
Disability Sport NI Chief Executive Kevin O’Neill said Progressive’s continued support meant that they could continue to make disability sports clubs and programmes accessible across the region.
“This partnership will allow us to offer opportunities to more disabled people who want to lead an active lifestyle through sport and recreation,” he said.
“Thanks to the funding, we can deliver a range of sports activities including inclusive cycling programmes, ‘Wheelie Active Clubs’ and community sports events.
“Progressive’s investment will also support young athletes at Northern Ireland’s boccia and wheelchair basketball academies to further develop their skills and experience.”
ENDS
Pictured L-R: Ronan Duffy, NI Wheelchair Basketball Academy, Michael Boyd, Chief Executive Progressive Building Society, Aubrey Bingham Community Sport Manager Disability Sports NI, Kevin O’Neill Chief Executive Disability Sports NI and Katie Morrow, NI Wheelchair Basketball Academy.