The collaboration will focus on leveraging Loughborough University's world-class research, cutting-edge facilities, and expert knowledge to support the development and success of the UK’s Paralympic athletes. Alongside this, ParalympicsGB will harness the influence and know-how of its athletes and members to increase equitable access to sport for disabled people and transform attitudes towards disability in all settings.
The announcement comes following another outstanding Paralympic Games for ParalympicsGB, with the team winning 124 medals across 18 different sports – including 49 golds, to finish second on the medal table for the third consecutive Summer Games
As the UK’s leading institution for sports research, education and performance, and the proud host of ParalympicsGB’s Paris 2024 Team Development Programme and “kitting out” experience, Loughborough University brings unparalleled expertise and resources to the partnership. ParalympicsGB, renowned for its commitment to empowering and inspiring Paralympic athletes while always advocating for equitable access to sport, will work closely with the University to improve athlete performance, and champion the right of every disabled person to have equity of opportunity to be active.
Loughborough University and ParalympicsGB will work together on seven key areas:
- Community Engagement and Outreach: Both organisations will work together to promote inclusivity and accessibility in sports communities across the UK, leveraging the progress already made through ParalympicsGB’s grassroots sport initiatives. Focusing on community sport and schools, the partnership will advocate for change for disabled people in the UK, empowering the disability community to feel confident in, and having access to, inclusive and accessible sport, physical activity, and PE. Further initiatives will include workshops, seminars, and events designed to inspire the next generation of Paralympic athletes and advocates for Para Sports.
- Championing disability inclusion and transforming attitudes towards disabled people: Through ParalympicsGB and Loughborough University’s extensive stakeholder networks, the partnership will advocate for the creation of inclusive and accessible environments that empower disabled people to thrive as an employee, customer or client. The partnership will work together to create insight to support the understanding of attitude and behaviour change.
- Advanced Research and Innovation: Researchers from across Loughborough University, led by the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and its specialised Peter Harrison Laboratory, will collaborate with ParalympicsGB to explore new methodologies in sports science, and develop performance health and wellbeing tailored specifically for Paralympic athletes. The sharing of this knowledge across ParalympicsGB sports will ensure that athletes receive the most advanced training and support available.
- State-of-the-Art Training Facilities: The university will continue to promote the availability of its accessible premier sports facilities, including its cutting-edge Performance Centre and Elite Athlete Hotel, which nine Paralympic sports are already using on a regular basis. These facilities will provide athletes with the optimal environment to train and prepare for international competitions.
- Educational and Career Development: The partnership will consider practical ways in which to offer educational opportunities for Paralympic athletes, helping them to balance their sporting careers with academic and professional growth while supporting athletes' long-term career prospects and diversifying the workforce. Loughborough students will also benefit from this collaboration, gaining opportunities to be part of the Paralympic workforce and contribute to the future of the movement.
- Innovation in Para-Sports: The collaboration will drive forward innovation in Para-sports technology and equipment, ensuring that athletes have access to the latest advancements that enhance their performance and reduce the risk of injury. This will also involve the university’s partnership with the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC).
- Sustainability: The partnership will build on its existing research and knowledge around effective strategies to combat climate change and implement impactful sustainability plans while ensuring that Paralympic athletes and the wider disability population are not disproportionately inconvenienced by such measures.
David Clarke OBE, Chief Executive of ParalympicsGB, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: "We are thrilled to partner with Loughborough University, a globally recognised leader in Paralympic sports research and education. This collaboration will provide our athletes with the best possible resources to excel on the world stage while advocating for a transformation in attitudes towards disability and equitable access to sporting opportunity for every disabled person. Together through this powerful partnership, we are determined to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible not just for Paralympic athletes, but for disabled people everywhere.”
Professor Nick Jennings CB FREng FRS, Vice-Chancellor of Loughborough University, added: “We are delighted to further strengthen our partnership with ParalympicsGB, underlining our commitment to inclusivity in sport. By working together we can make a real impact, not only supporting our word class Paralympic athletes but also inspiring and empowering individuals of all abilities to participate in sport.
“This announcement comes as the University launches its new Para and Disability Sport Strategy, which has opportunity at its core – opportunity for disabled students to be active in the way they want, opportunity to become a coach or official, or the opportunity to strive for glory at the Paralympic Games.”
The strategic partnership between ParalympicsGB and Loughborough University marks a significant milestone in the advancement of Para-sport and reaffirms both organisations' dedication to fostering an inclusive and innovative sports environment.
