The Head Coach at Craigavon Golf and Ski Centre has been named among the recipients of the King’s Birthday Honours for 2025.
Jill Coulter-Sloan has been awarded an MBE for her services to Disability Sport.
Jill’s involvement with disability sports in Northern Ireland is extensive and revolves largely around her role as volunteer Head Coach with Craigavon’s Ski Ability NI.
For her dedication and commitment to her team, Jill has earned the very worthy recognition as “the heart and soul of Ski Ability NI”.
In 2024 Jill helped her ski team achieve a whopping 34 medals at the Special Olympics Ireland Winter Games and this year, furthered their success with gold medals in Turin’s Special Olympic Winter Games.
This year Jill was also nominated for Coach of the Year at the Local Women Sport Awards for her unwavering support.
Jill’s passion for skiing began when she started volunteering at the Craigavon Golf and Ski Centre. Every Tuesday night, she would hit the slopes, honing her skills and enjoying the thrill of skiing. After a holiday trip, Jill returned with a renewed determination to become a ski instructor.
In 1986, she qualified as a club instructor with the Ulster Ski Council. The following year, she achieved another milestone by qualifying with the national governing body, Snowsport England, at the Golf and Ski Centre.
By 1988, Jill’s dedication and expertise led her to successfully apply for a full-time ski instructor position at the centre.
The inception of the disability ski club was marked by a generous donation of a sit ski from a club called Back Up. This donation inspired the Golf and Ski Centre to start disability ski sessions on Thursday nights, specifically for individuals in wheelchairs. The initiative gained further momentum when Musgrave Hospital contacted the centre, expressing interest in taking adults with disabilities to Winter Park in America.
During the Troubles, Jill gained invaluable experience working with adults with various disabilities, including amputees, individuals who were blind, wheelchair users, and those who were deaf. This diverse experience laid the foundation for the creation of the “Ski Ability” club at the Golf and Ski Centre. The club’s mission expanded to include both adults and children with intellectual disabilities, eventually becoming a part of the Special Olympics.
Of Jill, Ski Ability NI said: “Jill Coulter-Sloan stands as the driving force behind our club, her unwavering dedication and innovative spirit steering us toward greatness.
“She made history by introducing sit skis to Northern Ireland, pioneering adaptive skiing and opening doors for people with disabilities to experience the joy of skiing.
“Jill’s visionary leadership has transformed our club into a powerhouse of inclusivity and excellence, inspiring athletes to reach new heights of achievement both on and off the slopes.
“Jill’s intimate understanding of each athlete’s needs, coupled with her boundless love and devotion, has played a pivotal role in their success.
“But Jill’s impact extends far beyond the slopes. She has changed lives, instilling confidence, and empowering individuals to believe in themselves.
“Her unwavering support and encouragement have not only helped our athletes excel in skiing but have also enriched their lives in countless ways. Through her guidance, our athletes have discovered their true potential and forged lifelong friendships.
“Her passion for skiing and unwavering belief in the abilities of our athletes have touched the lives of countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.”
Also receiving an MBE is Mr Norman Marshall Allen for his service to Education in Portadown, County Armagh.
Receiving a British Empire Medal (BEM) is Mrs Elizabeth ‘Liz’ McGrath who through her role as Service Improvement Manager with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust has provided services to Suicide Prevention in Northern Ireland.
Mrs Elizabeth ‘Liz’ McGrath
A representative for Southern Health and Social Care Trust said of Liz’s achievement: “Congratulations to our colleague Liz McGrath, Towards Zero Suicide Co-ordinator, who has been awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to suicide prevention.
“A well-deserved honour which reflects her dedication and compassion to building a programme that brings hope, support and safety to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.”
Lurgan-born Astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell discovered the first radio pulsars in 1967, has been awarded a Companion of Honour.
Check out a full list of the King’s Birthday Honours here.
