InSport Series Welcomes Hundreds to Cardiff Met for Inclusive Sport Festival

Cardiff Metropolitan University’s National Indoor Athletics Centre (NIAC) welcomed more than 500 participants this week as the insport Series: Cardiff returned to campus, providing inclusive sport and physical activity opportunities for disabled young people and adults from across Wales.

Delivered in partnership with Disability Sport Wales, Whizz Kidz, and a number of Welsh National Governing Bodies of Sport, the event featured more than 20 different sports, many of which were adapted to ensure accessibility for all abilities.

Participants were able to try a range of sports in a welcoming and supportive environment, designed to encourage confidence, participation and new experiences in sport and physical activity.

Cardiff Met students also played an important role in the delivery of the festival. Sport students recently completed Disability Inclusion Training delivered by Disability Sport Wales and supported the event through placements, helping to run activities, gather insights and assist participants throughout the day.

The event was originally founded more than two decades ago by the late Jo Coates-McGrath, whose pioneering work helped transform disability sport opportunities across Cardiff and Wales. This year’s event also included a tribute recognising Jo’s legacy and the profound impact she had on inclusive sport in the region.

Laura Williams, Assistant Director for Sport, Physical Activity and Health at Cardiff Met, said:

“The insport event was a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate the impact Jo had on disability and inclusive sport across the city and beyond. The event truly reflected Jo’s commitment to ensuring every disabled person knew what opportunities were available to them. Her determination to create activities where none existed, and to connect people with experiences they may never have tried before, really came to life throughout the day.”

The insport Series continues to introduce many participants to sport for the first time, with the event’s long-term legacy including athletes who have progressed to compete at elite and Paralympic level.

By hosting the event at NIAC, Cardiff Met continues to play a key role in supporting inclusive sport and creating opportunities for people of all abilities to engage with sport and physical activity.