Para-Athletics Talent Search

Paralympics Ireland Para-Athletics with the help of Athletics Ireland is set to intensify its search to find the next generation of Paralympic talent, with its online talent search initiative.

While Para-athletes may have traditionally found their way to the Paralympic pathway through disability sporting programs or Come and Try initiatives, the Paralympics Ireland para-athletics programme is aiming to attract more talent, with a recruitment drive that is more accessible than ever. 

Para-athletes are being encouraged to send in a short video of themselves explaining their disability and performing specific exercises. The Paralympics Ireland performance team will use the information collected through this phase to shortlist athletes and include them in the relevant Paralympic pathway activities, such as information forums and pathway camps.

Paralympics Ireland Para-athletics Technical Lead Alison O’Riordan said the message of the program is simple. If you’re Irish (or have Irish heritage), of any age, with an eligible impairment who believes they have elite Para-athletics potential, Paralympics Ireland wants to hear from you.

“The Irish Para-athletics Team has a proud history of success at the World Championships and at the Paralympics. We need to continue this investment in identifying and supporting athletes and coaches for future success at Paris 2024 and LA 2028. 

This online drive not only allows Para-athletes of any age, experience level or impairment to put themselves forward, it allows athletes in all areas of Ireland, or even those that might live elsewhere, to be noticed. We strongly encourage anyone who has the desire to compete at the elite level in the future to send in their applications.”

“Having an impairment and participating in sport does not always mean an athlete is able to compete at the elite level, but there are so many opportunities for para-athletes within the Athletics Ireland club system, and we want to make it easier for athletes to seek them out,” said Paralympics Ireland Para-Athletics Technical Lead, Alison O’Riordan.

Interested athletes can find additional information and the application process by visiting the Paralympics Ireland website here.