Ireland’s first sports hub for visually-impaired and physically disabled athletes to open in Laois

Laois Sports Partnership has officially launched Ireland’s first dedicated sports hub for visually impaired and physically disabled athletes, the VIP Hub, a landmark initiative aimed at making sport more accessible and inclusive across the county.

The VIP Hub offers athletes of all ages the chance to participate in sports including athletics, golf, swimming, soccer, tandem cycling, and javelin, while also fostering confidence, social connection, and community engagement.

The initiative builds on LSP’s work in 2023, which engaged over 3,000 people with additional needs across 94 programmes, many of whom had previously fallen short of national physical activity guidelines.

There are over 11,600 people with vision impairment and physical disabilities in Laois, 12.69% of the population (Census 2022). The VIP Hub was created to address the lack of sporting opportunities for these individuals, offering tailored programmes in partnership with local clubs, volunteers, and national governing bodies.

Speaking at the launch, Caroline Myers, CEO of Laois Sports Partnership, said:

“The VIP Hub is a shining example of our vision in action, ensuring that individuals with visual impairments and physical disabilities have the same opportunities to enjoy, compete and thrive through sport. This would not have been possible without Sport Ireland Dormant Accounts Funding.”

Lee Moran, a 21-year-old visually impaired athlete and member of the national blind soccer team, has already benefited from the hub:

“Since joining the hub, I completed my Leaving Cert and have been accepted into St. Patrick’s College in Carlow. I would not have had the confidence in myself before being a part of the hub.”

Over the past five years, the VIP Hub has supported over 180 athletes across 11 sports, with 110 coaches and volunteers trained in disability awareness and tactile coaching. Programmes include kayaking, canoeing, guide running, couch-to-5k, water sports camps, athletics, golf, tandem cycling, and soccer.

Ger McTavish, Disability in Sport Lead at Sport Ireland, added:

“This initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration between national agencies and community leaders to create inclusive opportunities for all.”

The VIP Hub will officially launch on November 28, alongside its strategy document, outlining clear pathways for athletes and coaches to participate in accessible sport.

With support from partners including Vision Sports Ireland, Paralympics Ireland, local clubs, Laois County Council, and Athletics Ireland, Portlaoise is set to become a vibrant centre for inclusive sport, showcasing what can be achieved through collaboration and community spirit.