Northern Ireland Judo Federation (NIJF) is proud to announce its continued engagement with Disability Sport NI as part of its mission to make judo accessible to all. As part of this initiative, the NIJF will be undertaking the Inclusive Sport Award for the 2025-2026 period and beyond, reinforcing its dedication to fostering an inclusive sporting environment.
The Inclusive Sport Award, presented by Disability Sport NI, is a benchmark for standards, and recognises organisations that actively promote accessibility and inclusion in sports. By working towards this award, the NIJF aims to break down barriers and ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate and excel in judo.
This will include things such as:
- Making all communications inclusive
- Education of the coaches
- Access to competitions and funding opportunities
- Training in mainstream and dedicated sessions
- Increasing our membership of players with disabilities and additional needs
This collaboration aligns with broader efforts to improve disability sport participation in Northern Ireland. Recent reports highlight that disabled individuals remain half as likely to engage in sport and active recreation as non-disabled individuals. The NIJF is committed to addressing this disparity by providing tailored training sessions, adaptive judo programs, and increased opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
NIJF Chairman, Russell Brown, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative: “Judo is a sport built on respect, discipline, and perseverance. By working with Disability Sport NI, we are ensuring that these values are accessible to all. The Inclusive Sport Award is a testament to our commitment to making judo a welcoming space for everyone. The support we have already had from Judith and Rhian from DSNI has got us off to a great start and is much appreciated.”
He added: “It’s our mission to build and sustain an inclusive culture within our sport of Judo and within our sporting communities, to allow our members the opportunity to participate, progress and perform to their maximum potential. To ensure inclusion in all its forms is within all Judo clubs in Northern Ireland. To provide more opportunities for our Judoka’s with disabilities and from our LGBTQIA+ members, to take part in all aspects of Judo, training, competitions and associated activities. To drive the delivery of inclusion and Diversity throughout the Northern Ireland Judo Federation”.
NIJF invites athletes, coaches, and the wider community to support and participate in upcoming adaptive judo sessions w. By embracing inclusivity, the federation aims to empower individuals, break down barriers, and create a sporting culture where everyone can thrive.
For more information on upcoming events and how to get involved, please follow our social media pages, or visit our events section on the website at nijudo.com
