Delivered by Disability Sport Wales in partnership with Spar UK and AF Blakemore & Son Ltd, the event offered participants the chance to explore activities ranging from athletics to badminton, making full use of the park’s top-tier facilities.
Dawn Bowden, Minister for Children and Social Care, said: “It’s wonderful to see hundreds of young people trying different para sports at today’s insport event in Swansea. The Welsh Government is proud to support this festival, which is inspiring our next generation of Welsh para-athletes and shows our commitment to making sport accessible for everyone.”
“I’m delighted to see the Para Sport Festival expanding with new sports and venues this year.”
Now in its fourth year, the Para Sport Festival has expanded its reach and ambition, with events taking place across multiple venues in Swansea and Newport. The insport Series marked the third day of the week-long celebration, following competitive fixtures in Boccia and Wheelchair Tennis over the weekend.
Robyn Wilkins, Para Sport Festival Senior Officer at Disability Sport Wales, said: “2025 marks a landmark development of the Para Sport Festival with its growth and expansion beyond Newport. It will be exciting to show how Wales has the ability to be a multi-city sporting destination — and we hope this is just the start of what’s to come over the next three years.”
“I’m proud that Disability Sport Wales and the Para Sport Festival are still attracting and bringing in new events each year, with 2025 seeing the inclusion of Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Tennis for the first time.”
“I’m pleased we could bring Deaf Football back to the schedule and hopefully we’ll see another great crowd down Llandarcy for Wales Vs England.”
Tom Matthews, GB Para Table Tennis Player and Paralympic bronze medallist, said: “The Para Sport Festival has become such an important week in the sporting calendar here in Wales. It showcases para sport at the top level and ensures people of all ages and abilities can enjoy, take part and try any sport they choose.”
“I am obviously particularly proud that Table Tennis is part of this fantastic week of sport and who knows — the future Thomas Matthews might be discovered!”
Kevin Lewis, Wales’ number one Wheelchair Tennis player, said: “It’s been a real privilege to be involved and highlight the sport I love. The crowd were fantastic when we played against Shrewsbury Club at Newport Tennis Centre. Hopefully we can now inspire the next generation and get more people enjoying sport in Wales.”
2025 Para Sport Festival Schedule Highlights
- 5–6 July: Boccia – UK Teams & Pairs Championship (Newport)
- 6 July: Wheelchair Tennis – South Wales v Shrewsbury Club (Newport)
- 7 July: insport Series (Swansea Bay Sports Park)
- 11–13 July: Welsh Shooting – British Open Para Sport Championship (Swansea)
- 11 July: Deaf Football – Wales v England (Llandarcy)
- 12 July: Wheelchair Basketball – Cymru Classic (Swansea)
- 12–13 July: Table Tennis – BPTT Swansea Grand Prix (Swansea)
For full programme details, visit the official Para Sport Festival website.
