Special Olympics Show their Strength @ ISAPA 2025

Uniting Innovation, Inclusion& impact in Adapted Physical Activity

Ireland has a strong and proud history with Special Olympics, and we are delighted to

continue our collective mission at ISAPA 2025.

Special Olympics International and Special Olympics Ireland are proud to lead a bold,

inclusive agenda at ISAPA 2025, bringing cutting-edge innovation, real-world research,

and athlete leadership to the global stage in Tralee, Ireland. Through a dynamic suite of

workshops, panels, and partnerships, we are reshaping the world's understanding of

intellectual disability and inclusion in physical activity and sport.

Key Highlights from Special Olympics Sponsored Sessions at ISAPA 2025

Inclusive Research in Action: Practical Strategies Workshop

June 18th | 09:00–10:30 AM

Led by inclusive research pioneers, this workshop brings together:

• Fionn Angus, Co-CEO Fionnathan Productions

• Margaret Turley, Special Olympics Global Messenger

• Dr Ashlyn Smith, Special Olympics International

• Dr Alicia Dixon-Ibarra, Special Olympics International

Learn how to meaningfully involve individuals with intellectual disabilities in all phases of

research. Walk away with strategies, case studies, and tools that elevate equity and

inclusion in Adapted Physical Activity scholarship.

“Your research will be stronger for it.”

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Poster Presentation: Developing the Special Olympics Youth Fitness Testing

Manual

Presented by: Gwendolyn Apgar, Senior Manager, Fitness for Sport Performance,

Special Olympics International

June 18th | 12:30–14:00 | Plenary Room 2

Discover how Special Olympics is building accessible tools to support youth fitness

worldwide. This poster presentation highlights the development and evaluation of a Youth

Fitness Testing Manual designed specifically for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Learn how this field-tested resource can help coaches assess, motivate, and support

youth with ID to achieve healthier, more active lives.

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Digital Technology & Wearables Panel

June 18th, 2025 | 14:00–15:00

Explore how digital innovation and wearable technology are transforming physical activity

for people with intellectual disabilities. This powerful session features:

• Dr Andrew Lincoln – Special Olympics International

• Dr Louise Lynch – Trinity College Dublin

• Dr Andrew Pitchford – Oregon State University, USA

• Dr Naveed Iqbal – Tritone Health, UK

Together, they’ll share how technology can drive behavior change and build healthier,

more active lives.

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Oral Presentation: Adherence to Physical Activity Wearables

Presented by: Dr. Alicia Dixon-Ibarra, Director of Fitness and Health Research, Special

Olympics International

June 18th | 16:30–17:30 | Lecture Room 1

Learn about Special Olympics’ longitudinal evaluation—Project ALL STAR—and the

adherence of physical activity wearables over time. This pilot evaluation explores how

Special Olympics athletes used Fitbit devices in real-world settings. Results highlight both

the value of wearables for inclusive health tracking and the usability challenges that can

impact long-term compliance.

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Strategic Global Partnership Announcement

June 18th | 17:30 | Plenary Room 1

Be there as the International Federation of Adapted Physical Activity (IFAPA) signs a

landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Special Olympics International,

marking a new era of advocacy, inclusive research, and capacity building in global

disability sport.

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Mental Health Spotlight: Special Olympics Ireland

June 19th | Plenary Room 1

At the ISAPA Mental Health Summit, Dr Hayley Kavanagh, Youth Pathways & Impact

Lead, will present Special Olympics Ireland’s powerful mental health resources. Built with

and for athletes, these resources ensure young people with ID can thrive in sport and in

life.

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Athlete Leadership in Action

Hayley will be joined by Margaret Turley, Special Olympics Ireland athlete and Sargent

Shriver Global Messenger, who will share her lived experience and advocacy journey. As a

Berlin 2023 gold medalist and Trinity College alumna, Margaret embodies what it means

to lead with purpose, resilience, and heart.

“Inclusion is not just an idea—it’s a movement. And at ISAPA 2025, we are all part of it.”

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Masterclass: Motor Activity Training Program (MATP)

Led by: Dr Niamh-Elizabeth Mourton, Senior Manager, Special Olympics International

June 20th | Morning Workshop + Afternoon “Come & Try” Event

Dr Mourton brings deep expertise in inclusive sport and human rights. She will be joined

by athletes Luke Scoillard, Ciara Palmer, Jamie Cook, Siobhan Looney, Emma Doolan.

Her MATP Masterclass will:

• Certify attendees with “Introduction to MATP” training

• Share foundational tools for supporting athletes with profound intellectual

• disabilities

• Offer hands-on experience in delivering community-based inclusive sport

Pre-register to receive your MATP online module before the conference!

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Join Us in Tralee, Kerry – Be Part of the Inclusion Revolution!

From wearable tech to inclusive research, global partnerships to athlete leadership,

Special Olympics is delivering a vision of sport where every person belongs. Come to

ISAPA 2025 to learn, connect, and take action.

www.ISAPA2025.com