A Co Armagh-based charity is appealing for public support as it races to meet a vital fundraising target that could bring its groundbreaking all-ability sport to schools across Northern Ireland and the border region.
Powered By Sport (PBS), which last year launched the Inclusive Inline Sled Hockey initiative, is hoping to raise £10,000 through a live crowdfunding campaign — a goal that must be reached within the next 12 days to unlock a £5,000 match-funding pledge from Sport NI.
So far, the campaign has raised an impressive £8,425, thanks to generous backing from local businesses, with donations ranging from £40 to £150.
However, unless the remaining funds are secured, PBS risks losing out on the Sport NI support needed to expand the sport across the province.
Beginning September 2025, PBS aims to launch a province-wide schools outreach project, introducing Inline Sled Hockey to young people of all abilities and laying the foundation for new local clubs.
Many local business have shown their support so far
The sport, which launched its first club in Armagh City last year, is an innovative, high-energy adaptation of Paralympic Ice Sled Hockey, designed to include both able-bodied and disabled players on an equal footing.
Players use specially designed sleds fitted with wheels and dual-purpose sticks to glide across sports halls, making it a fast-paced and inclusive team sport suitable for ages six and up.
“This is the first time my daughter has ever been able to take part in sport with her classmates — it’s unbelievable,” said the mother of of third year student Laura who attends Monaghan Collegiate School.
PBS previously visited the school for a Disability Awareness Day.
Laura has been in a wheelchair all her life, and has limited use of one of her hands; as a result opportunities for her to be active in sports with her classmates have not existed in her first three years of secondary school.
On this day Laura got into the sled and took part in a 2-hour roller sports session alongside her friends, classmates, teachers, principal and even her mum.
The specially designed sled push bar ensured that, despite Laura only having the use of one hand, she could play a full active role in the games as she was pushed around the court at speed.
A spokesperson for PBS said: “This is why we believe all ability sled sports has the potential to change lives! It provides the ability for all ages, all abilities to play together in a safe, fun and fully inclusive experience.
“This is why we’re building a nationwide ‘All-Ability Sled Sport Project’ and we need your help to make it happen. We’ve created a five-year plan to launch 15 inclusive sled sport hubs across Ireland, starting in September 2025.
“Each hub will bring inclusive sport into local communities through school outreach and long-term volunteer-led programmes.
“We need to raise £20,000 annually to fund equipment, training, and delivery, we will source this money via a mixture of fundraising efforts, sponsorships and grant support.
“We have been blown away by the generosity of local businesses and people who have shown us how they see real value in what we are doing and what we aim to achieve.”
“Thanks to match funding from Sport NI of £5,000, we’re on the verge of unlocking real change. But we’re not stopping at £10k, the more we raise now, the faster and further we can go.”
Please help support PBS. You can donate here. Also, if you represent a business and would like to support or learn more about this project, reach out to the PBS team here.
More information can be found on their website www.poweredbysport.org or by calling Stephen on 07779297414
