December 3rd is International Day of Persons with Disabilities— a United Nations observance which "aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life." (Source: un.org)
On this day dedicated to recognising and advancing the rights and well-being of disabled people worldwide, we're proud to share how the Disability Sport Wales insport programme continues to support and celebrate inclusive delivery across the Welsh sport sector.
UDOIT Dance Foundation — insport Partnerships Bronze Standard
UDOIT Dance Foundation has proudly achieved the insport Partnerships Bronze standard, marking a significant step forward in embedding inclusive practice within community dance provision. Their progress reflects a deepening understanding of accessibility and a strong commitment to ensuring that every dancer, regardless of ability, can experience the benefits that dance brings. UDoIT Dance join a number of partner organisations, including the Urdd, the Outdoor Partnership, and Cardiff City FC Foundation in supporting the delivery of inclusive opportunities across Wales.
Wales Rugby League — insport NGB Silver Standard
Wales Rugby League has progressed to the insport NGB Silver standard, showcasing sustained development in inclusive leadership, governance, participation, and talent pathways. The achievement demonstrates the sport’s expanding reach and its commitment to supporting disabled players, coaches, and volunteers. This includes the growing wheelchair and physical disability versions of the game.
Swim Wales — going for Gold
Looking ahead, Swim Wales has formally begun its journey toward the insport NGB Gold standard. This initial phase involved establishing clear aims, defining what ‘Gold’ means for the organisation, and setting out the transformational steps needed to reach it. Their ambition represents another step forward toward sector-wide excellence in inclusive aquatic sport.
Jo Hendy, insport Senior Officer at Disability Sport Wales, celebrated the sector’s achievements:
“These achievements represent great milestones for partner organisations, and reflect the significant work undertaken to shape their inclusive offer. Each organisation has demonstrated not only commitment, but meaningful action across their workforce development, programme delivery, and wider inclusive governance – aiming to create real and lasting change for disabled people.
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it is inspiring to see such momentum. Whether it is the organisations achieving their current standards – or the wider commitment from National Governing Bodies, wider partners, or the wide range of inclusive community insport Clubs across Wales – together, these successes build a stronger, more inclusive sporting landscape in Wales.”
As celebrations take place across the country today, Disability Sport Wales recognises that these accomplishments reflect more than benchmarks—they represent a shared vision for a Wales where disabled people can participate fully, confidently, and joyfully in every sport.
The progress of these organisations is part of a much wider picture – find out more about the insport programmes and the range of opportunities across Wales here:
