Held on Wednesday 25 February from 7pm at Mossley Mill, the event welcomed sports coaches, teachers, and community volunteers who were committed to making sport more accessible and welcoming for autistic participants.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, in partnership with Autism NI, proudly hosted ‘Autism in Sport: An Evening of Learning and Inclusion’ at Mossley Mill. The event brought together coaches, clubs, volunteers and community volunteers to promote greater understanding, improve accessibility, and champion inclusive practices across their sporting communities. This event was supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Pictured (L–R): Christine Kearney, Autism NI; the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick; and Adam Keefe, Head Coach of the Belfast Giants.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council host ‘Autism in Sport: An Evening of Learning and Inclusion’ bringing together an inspiring line-up of speakers from across the sporting community to champion inclusion and accessibility in sport. L-R: Shane McCann, Ulster GAA; Christine Kearney, Autism NI; Jason Browning and Stephen Watson, IFA; Denise Watson, compere; Mayor, Cllr Leah Kirkpatrick; Adam Keefe, Giant’s Head Coach; Deputy Mayor, Cllr Julie Gilmour and Shel Laffin, Ulster Rugby.
Adam Keefe, Head Coach of the Belfast Giants, highlights the inclusive measures in place at the SSE Arena to support autistic fans attending games. Visitors can request sensory bags containing fidget toys, a weighted lap pad, ear defenders and wobble cushions. Familiarisation visits are also available, alongside online guides designed to help supporters understand what to expect and feel more confident ahead of game night.
More than 60 people from local sports clubs came together to gain practical, real-world tips on creating more inclusive clubs at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Autism in Sport: An Evening of Learning and Inclusion, held at Mossley Mill.