When: June 2025                                                            Delegates: 600                   

 Location: Munster Technological University                   Economic impact*: €753k

Inspiring Change in Adapted Physical Activity (APA) for People with Disabilities

Hosted at Munster Technological University, the International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity 2025 attracted 641 global delegates, coming together to advance inclusion, human rights and sustainable development through sport, physical activity, recreation and education.

The theme of the 2025 conference was “Shifting the Dial”, driving real transformation in Adapted Physical Activity (APA). The conference encouraged all participants to engage in research and action to actively “shift the dial”, reframing the inclusion continuum and bolstering systemic reform, targeted investment, amplifying marginalised voices and facilitating international cooperation to build sustainable change. ISAPA 2025 placed particular emphasis on participation and visibility of under-represented groups, especially people with visual impairment, deafblindness, intellectual disability, and psychosocial or mental health challenges. Under the patronage of UNESCO, the conference was supported by Kerry Convention Bureau and the local organising team at Munster Technological University. ISAPA 2025 demonstrated a uniquely Irish model of symposium design, where rigorous scientific exchange, policy advancement and lived experience were interwoven with culture, community, and inclusive practice.
 

The International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity 2025 positioned Ireland as a global convening hub for inclusive sport, physical activity, and human-rights-aligned policy development, hosting delegates across five continents under the Patronage of UNESCO. The conference had a notable impact on the local area, also contributing to national frameworks/ policymaking. Some of the key outcomes were:

• The conference spotlighted an immersive Irish cultural experience, with local musicians of all ages/abilities playing traditional Irish instruments such as the harp, fiddle and uilleann pipes before and after keynote sessions. A week-long partnership with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann ensured that traditional Irish music and culture were not performative add-ons but an integrated part of ISAPA’s identity and delegate experience.
• The conference enabled international participation by implementing a Bursary Programme to support delegates from low income countries and those facing financial barriers to attend, embodying the symposium’s commitment to equitable opportunities and ensuring that diverse voices were represented.
• Learning programmes were delivered to local GAA clubs, delegates and participants, such as The Local Legacy Programme with Kerry Recreation & Sports Partnership and the GAA, focused on inclusive coaching and adapted games, and the Motor Activity Training Program in partnership with Special Olympics International, which informed about including athletes with intellectual disabilities in sport.
• The conference aligned with and advanced the Government of Ireland’s sport and inclusion frameworks, education and equality goals, climate and infrastructure commitments, and tourism and regional strategies.
• ISAPA 2025 directly informed the UNESCO Global Policy Standards development process, with Ireland hosting the first in-person consultation.
• The inaugural ISAPA Mental Health Summit aligned with Sharing the Vision and WHO’s Global Action Plan on Physical Activity, illustrating Ireland’s leadership in integrated health innovation.

 

"The vision for ISAPA 2025 was ambitious — to 'shift the dial' from awareness to transformation — and that required extraordinary collaboration. The programme truly had something for everyone, a thoughtful balance of policy, research, and practice that created real impact. ISAPA 2025 was the culmination of years of belief that when we bring people together around shared values, equity, human rights, and participation, something extraordinary happens. ISAPA 2025 established Kerry and MTU as long-term partners in hosting global inclusion, health, and sustainability events, providing a replicable model of cultural authenticity, academic excellence, and community legacy."

Catherine Carty, Conference Ambassador, ISAPA 2025
 

ISAPA 2025 was delivered by the collaboration of three international organisations:

• The International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity (IFAPA): champions Adapted Physical Activity through promoting, supporting and sharing research in the field.
• The Institute of Movement Studies for Individuals with Visual Impairments: conducts research, publishes work and develops educational curricula and programming related to motor development.
• UNESCO: promotes international cooperation and advancing policy/ practice in education, science, culture, and communication to foster peace, security, and sustainable development.

*Economic Value is estimated based on number of international delegates in attendance