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← The Federation Of Disability Sport Wales Limited

2025-03-31-accounts

1st April 2024—31st March 2025

Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25 —— Contents Message from Gareth Thomas, Chair of Trustees 3 5 Objectives and Activities Snapshot of the Year 8 Our work towards our Ambitions: Strategic Priority 1 14 Strategic Priority 2 34 Strategic Priority 3 48 a Strategic Priority 4 78 We Set Out to Achieve 86 Plans for the Future 94 Financial Review 98 Financial Statements 110 will — Cover photo: Jodie Grinham competing in para archery at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Summer Games. © ParalympicsGB.

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

Message from Gareth Thomas, Chair of Trustees

This year brought with it a lot of excitement, opportunity and challenge to DSW. It was of course a Paralympic and Olympic year, with Paris hosting the 2024 Games, and 21 Welsh athletes, or athletes living in Wales, were selected across 12 sports to be part of ParalympicsGB. It has also been the year in which the investment model for Sport Wales Partner Organisations changed, and

this reduced the resources which were be awarded to DSW for this year and more significantly into next financial year. Whilst this change is tough it has meant that DSW have been looking at how we work differently with commercial partners and exploring how we may be able to diversify resources for the future.

Last year we knew that financially the future held multiple challenges, not just as an organisation, but for disabled people in Wales and for the wider sport sector. Welsh Government and Sport Wales have supported with some additional resources to create greater resilience within the sector, and DSW have invested this in processes which will support people and organisational health. Within this we commissioned support from Remarkable Partnerships to support our commercial resilience, changed pensions to salary sacrifice, and supported the development of resources to support coaches’ awareness of British Sign Language.

This year, we have taken time to restructure our team to create a leadership structure which is both more resilient and more directly aligned to our strategic priorities. Despite this disruption, our team has continued to surpass expectations, and they continue to deliver exceptional outcomes in a challenging environment. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to every one of them.

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

Continued: Message from Gareth Thomas, Chair of Trustees

Again an incredible programme of insport Series Events, with unwavering support from SPAR, was delivered across Wales, resulting in opportunities for thousands of disabled children, young people, adults, and their networks to experience inclusive sports offered in their area. The Para Sport Festival went into its third year and featured high-class performance sport, including Judo, Wheelchair Rugby, Shooting, Table Tennis, Boccia and Rugby League. We have received confirmation that Welsh Government will support this for another three years, which will enable further growth and partnership into the future.

Next year we come into the second year of our new strategy, and it will provide us opportunities to consult and reflect on what we do. With an increasingly tight funding environment we are taking on the challenge of broadening our partnership networks in addition to ensuring that we continue to support the sector with ongoing inclusive change. We will of course continue to celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations who represent the huge talent and potential for disability and para sport in Wales.

I would like to thank everyone who continues to support, challenge and champion the work we do, and particularly my colleagues on the DSW Board, who give their time, knowledge and passion in support of a more inclusive sport system in Wales.

Gareth Thomas Chair, Disability Sport Wales

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

Objectives and Activities

Overview

The Federation of Disability Sport Wales was established (and is structured in accordance with its Articles of Association) to:

and to ensure that all the above are properly promoted to and observed by the Member Organisations of the Company and participants of disability sport in Wales; and

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

We are more commonly referred to as Disability Sport Wales.

We are working to achieve our charitable purposes by supporting the achievement of Sector Vision for Sport — An Active Nation where Everyone can have a Lifelong Enjoyment of Sport — and in our Mission, through our values and with our ambitions.

Success is measured quantitatively and qualitatively for impact and learning so that we can ensure investment is focused in the right areas, programmes support inclusive understanding and development, and partnerships bring about inclusive cultural change.

We adopt and use language consistent with the social model of disability, and prioritise functional, solutions-focused approaches to our partnerships. When we reference ‘disability’ or ‘disabled people’ we mean anyone who has a physical, sensory, or intellectual impairment (or learning disability); or who considers themselves ‘disabled’ under the Equality Act 2010 definition.

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

DSW Mission

DSW Values

Champion Everyone

We believe in diverse and meaningful opportunity with people at the centre of all we do.

This means you will see us:

Proudly Welsh

We embody and celebrate what it is to be Welsh.

This means you will see us:

Value Growth

We are committed to development and inclusive change and will always support that.

This means you will see us:

Highlight Possibility

We connect opportunities and prioritise partnerships, so people get what they need.

This means you will see us:

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25 Snapshot of the Year

22 people in the Disability Sport Wales National Team sisisisists) 13 Full-time, 9 Part-time, 2 Maternity covers Gee sisistsists)888600

3,010 Volunteers 2,973 with clubs 38 at insport Series

1,539 participants attended 17 SPAR insport Series events across Wales

710 Participants at Whizz Kidz events

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

406 organisations engaged in insport

1st 6 insport Partnerships Gold Standard awarded (Newport Live)

organisations presented for an insport Standard

clubs working to a new club 345 Standard of insport Club 1 achieved Gold

insport NGB Programme Reviewed

29 NGBs in Wales working towards insport NGB working 3 > 6 L > 9 oO > 9 r ) » 2 © toward Ribbon Ribbon Bronze Silver Gold

insport Partnerships Organisations 32 (10 third sector, 22 local authorities)

Pembrokeshire achieved insport Partnerships Gold Standard

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

SNAPSHOT OF THE YEAR

people attended the third 2,455 Para Sport Festival in Swansea

478 competitors, 1,541 spectators, 436 insport Series attendees

people did UK Disability Inclusion Training courses 715

610 people did UK DIT Level 1: 73 people did UK DIT Level 2 • 553 UK DIT for Coaches and Volunteers 89 people did UK DIT Level 3

• 553 UK DIT for Coaches and Volunteers

• 57 UK DIT for Education

Celebration Dinner with Disabled Young Leaders 1 awards celebration 1 networking event

1 Dylanwadu Inclusion Conference

2 Successful Taith funding applications

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

82

athletes involved with Performance Pathway Hubs (Tiers 1 to Transition)

110

people completed the #Inspire performance athlete signposting form

21 Athletes were selected to compete across 12 sports by ParalympicsGB at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

16 medals 7 5 4 © © 0: won in 10 sports: Archery, Athletics, Cycling, Equestrian, Para Canoe, Rowing, Swimming, A Table Tennis, Taekwondo and Wheelchair Basketball = 19,000+

visitors to our Paris 2024 microsite

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----- Start of picture text -----
Active Active Active Informal
Organised Sport
Living Travel Recreation Sport
Elite Sport
~lasport
insport Club
CLWB/ CLUB
insport
“PARTNERIAETHAU insport Partnerships insport NGB
/ PARTNERSHIPS CLC / NGB
-CYF Ss
insport Series Events Para Sport Festival
inert
UK Disability Inclusion Training (UK DIT)
WHIZZ Wheelchair Skills Disability Sport Wales Performance Pathway
Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3
— en’an’an
ee
Gweithgaredd Anabledd lechyd Health Disability Activity Pathway Performance Partnerships
Health Disability Activity Pathway with all Welsh NHS Health Boards and Local Authorities (UK Governing Bodies)
Liwybr ea
Boccia Boccia Cymru Wales
& CYMRU WALES Disability Sport Wales functions as a National Governing Body for Boccia in Wales
‘
Te AW dl A ae Play Together a Wales Wheelchair
Play Toactheicici Inclusion Training for 7-11 year olds Simomanagyy maemTy “Ww Geswr@ Rugby Partnership
Disability Sport Wales Regional Partnership Senior Officers
Linked to Regional Partnerships
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Learning Disability Active

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25 :

Strategic Priority 1

Establish effective partnerships for an inclusive sector culture

Success within this priority area will ensure that all organisations connected to physical activity (including sport) in Wales will embed, co-develop and produce insight linked to inclusive cultural change. Our role is to facilitate and lead this through our programmes, and initiatives with partners are essential in making a real difference to onthe-ground opportunity.

DSW seeks to acheive this strategic priority predominantly through:

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

Strategic Priority 1

Programmes

These are a series of programmes which provide partners with a toolkit for inclusion across the sport and active recreation sector. They particularly focus on:

insport NGB intended for National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport in Wales.

insport Club which supports clubs and sessions based in Wales to become more inclusive.

insport Partnerships provides a toolkit to organisations operating in Wales (third sector, private, local authority, CIC, Charity, Company Limited by guarantee, etc) to demonstrate and develop their inclusive physical activity, leisure or sport provision.

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

What we have achieved: insport Programmes

The insport programme has continued to progress over this period, with 5 panel dates delivered over the year, and seeing 6 organisations achieving their next standard of their insport programme (insport NGB or insport Partnerships) (2 Ribbon, 1 Bronze, 1 Gold, 2 retained Gold).

This year saw the second local authority area achieve insport Partnerships Gold, and two organisations present additional aims in readiness for achieving Gold in the following year. Case Officers supported progress with 29 NGBs and 10 3rd Sector and partner organisations.

insport Panels (which are the method through which organisations submit the support against the aims for the standard they are working towards and are then awarded, or not, that standard) and the training for panel members, have continued to be facilitated virtually. Gold review, and Gold panels have been held in-person.

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

The overall progress of insport achievements are:

Local Authorities Third sector partners working through working through

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----- Start of picture text -----
Working toward Ribbon Working toward Ribbon Working toward Ribbon Working toward Ribbon
—
52 3 2
Ribbon Ribbon Ribbon Ribbon
—
182 6 5
Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze
62 9 10 1
Silver Silver Silver Silver
36 9 10 2
Gold Gold Gold Gold
13 2 2 1
| a ——"
All 22 Local Authorities (LAs) hold at least Bronze Standard. Ten have
insport Partnerships Silver Standard, and two have now achieved Gold
with Pembrokeshire achieving the Standard in October 2024.
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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

Case Study: The Urdd become the first organisation to retain the insport Partnerships Gold Standard

The Urdd has successfully retained the insport Partnerships Gold Standard, demonstrating its continued excellence and leadership in inclusive sport and activity provision. This achievement reflects the Urdd’s deep-rooted commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for disabled children and young people across Wales.

Reaching and sustaining the Gold Standard is no small achievement and has only been achieved by a few national organisations. It is the result of significant commitment to review and improve opportunities, willingness to put learning to action, and collaboration across all areas of the organisation.

From their initial engagement and achievement of the insport Partnerships Ribbon standard, to its current role as one of the national leaders in inclusive practice, the Urdd has shown long-term strategic focus and a clear cultural commitment to inclusion. This milestone recognises not only the systems and strategies in place today, but also the ongoing efforts of staff, volunteers, and leadership across the entire insport journey.

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25
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Highlights of their inclusive provision included;

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

Strategic Priority 1

insport Series Events

In partnership with A F Blakemore (SPAR) and local insport clubs, NGBs, LAs or third sector partners we deliver accessible events which provide opportunity for disabled people and their friends and families to connect with good quality community opportunities available locally.

The intention is that people are given the opportunity to participate in a wide range of opportunities and then connect into more sustained activity (if they chose to) local to them. At the events the sessions are delivered by the coaches and volunteers who are leading the local provision.

The insport Series: Cardiff returned to the National Indoor Athletics Centre (NIAC) at Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2025, building on the momentum of its 2024 comeback. This year’s event drew an impressive 620 registered participants, making it the largest of the 20 insport Series events delivered across Wales. Together with the Para Sport Festival in Swansea—which continues to feature a major insport Series event—these initiatives are expanding year on year, offering more inclusive opportunities for people of all abilities to get involved in sport and physical activity within their communities.

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

Case Study: Plas Menai: The first event of this kind at The National Outdoor Centre

Plas Menai, The National Outdoor Centre, located on the banks of the Menai Strait just outside Caernarfon, North Wales, worked closely with Disability Sport Wales to deliver the first ever insport Series event at the Centre, marking a significant step in inclusive outdoor activity provision.

Plas Menai offers a wide range of outdoor adventures, from water sports like sailing and kayaking to land-based activities. While instructors were enthusiastic about hosting the event, there was initial apprehension around accommodating a large number of disabled participants. Key concerns included effective communication, group management, and water access. Although the centre is generally accessible, some challenges remained, such as the fixed-seat hoist in the swimming pool. However, staff recognised that with experience, future events would become more streamlined and routine.

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

Disability Sport Wales’ Regional Partnership Senior Officer (North Wales) collaborated with managers at Plas Menai and Parkwood to coordinate event logistics. Planning focused on ensuring that all activities were inclusive and accessible, covering elements such as safety, access, and support for a wide range of impairments, including wheelchair users.

To ensure an inclusive experience for all participants, we introduced a diverse and balanced programme of activities by partnering with local clubs:

To further support inclusive delivery, the Regional Partnership Senior Officer recommended UK Disability Inclusion Training for Plas Menai staff, helping to build confidence and skills in inclusive planning and delivery.

Over 90 children and adults registered early on Friday morning to take part in a full day of inclusive land and water-based activities. Volunteers from SEAS, Cyclepower, Caernarfon Celts, and staff from Plas Menai set up interactive stations where attendees could try adapted watersports, boccia, disability cycling, wheelchair basketball, bench press, swimming, den building, and bushcraft.

The event was attended by ALN and mainstream schools, along with individual participants and their carers. The atmosphere throughout the day was highly positive and energised, with all activities running smoothly and participants actively engaging in every session.

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SIEC

Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

“ To be asked to host our first insport event was exciting for all of the team involved at Plas Menai. The event was a huge success, and we see it as a building block for further collaboration with Disability Sport Wales. Moving forward, we will look to ensure that inclusive events like this continue at the Centre, further cementing our role as The National Outdoor Centre serving local communities in North Wales. ”

— Rebecca Hookes, Marketing and Communications Manager, Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre

“ I have enjoyed the various activities available, especially sailing and power boating. Everyone had so much fun at the Centre. ”

— School pupil, Ysgol Pendalar

“ Every single pupil enjoyed the day, and it was an exceptional experience. There was a really good choice of opportunities available. ”

— School teacher, Ysgol Pendalar

Overall, the event was a huge success, bringing together partners, volunteers, and participants in a shared experience that was both fun and inclusive.

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

Strategic Priority 1

Research and Insight

Disability Sport Wales (DSW) works collaboratively with a range of partners to generate data and insight that represents the voice of disabled people, which is often reduced or removed from data capture across the sector. Our work in this area aims to change this, ensuring that disabled people’s voices are heard and meaningfully included.

DSW also generates its own data and insight through the biannual National Sport Snapshot Survey (previously the DSW Club and Session Survey). Response rates remain mixed, but we continue to work with Sport Wales and other partners to collect data from clubs and sessions regarding the opportunities and demographic of disabled people attending. This should help raise awareness within the National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of inclusive offers across Wales, as well as connecting disabled people with opportunities occurring on their doorsteps.

With the formation of the regional partnerships, DSW also recognises that there is need to understand the needs of local communities in more depth. DSW has, therefore, commissioned PressRed to produce a regionalised (and a National) report on the demographics of disabled communities within each regional footprint. PressRed will complete this work early into next financial year, but the groundwork and insight are being established.

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

Throughout 2024/25, Disability Sport Wales has completed several research projects, insight reports, and case studies that highlight the strength and impact of partnership work taking place across Wales, including:

Reports

Case Studies

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

Case Study: Dis Developing Inclusive Coaching Tools: A Trilingual Resource for D/deaf and Hard of Hearing Participants.

As part of DSW’s commitment to developing sport and physical activity pathways for D/deaf and Hard of Hearing (HoH) participants across Wales, it was identified that there is a clear need to encourage and cultivate D/deaf inclusive environments across clubs and groups.

To address this need and reduce communication barriers between D/deaf and HoH participants, and coaches/deliverers, a practical and inclusive trilingual (British Sign Language [BSL], Cymraeg and English) coaching resource was developed.

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

Active consultation for the trilingual resource took place during the 2024 Dylanwadu Conference where NGBs and partners supported the collection of general and sport specific terms and phrases for the resource, and practical considerations for a physical resource across several environments (e.g., rural, water, field etc.,).

This consultation directly informed the resource content which included: (1) Greeting Phrases, (2) Numbers, (3) Colours, (4) Instruction Phrases, (5) Encouragement Phrases and (6) Health and Safety Phrases. All included content is purposefully broad but relevant to coaching and communication in a sport and physical activity environment.

There is a physical and online version of the trilingual resource. The physical resource consists of four A6 cards on a lanyard with selected BSL illustrated signs, English and Welsh words and phrases. The online resource – accessible via the QR codes on the physical resource or direct via the DSW website Greeting Phrases - includes additional words and phrases, supported with BSL videos, audio pronunciation and phonetic breakdown of all content.

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

The pilot of the trilingual resource was launched at insport Cardiff in January 2025 where it was distributed amongst attending coaches, volunteers, staff and NGBs. Following the dissemination of the resource, we engaged with national governing bodies, local authorities and partners to gain further feedback and insight into the usability and potential impact of the resource. Here is what the NGBs and LAs had to say:

“ Looks great! Clear, easy to follow, will be very useful for coaches and instructors. ”

“ Looks excellent, something that can be used in practical environments and is easy to understand regardless of whether individuals have a background in BSL. ”

Building on the successful rollout of the pilot resource, DSW has secured funding with Taith to develop the second iteration of the trilingual resource alongside an international knowledge exchange with Deaf Sports Australia.

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

Strategic Priority 2

Enable inclusive active pathways

The pathway for participation is wide and starts at the point where someone may just start moving (increasing their physical activity) and leads through to a potential pathway for performance competition. Not everyone who gets involved with physical activity (including sport) wants to, or has the potential to progress into competition. Everyone should have the choice to move, be active and play sport in environments which welcome them.

DSW work alongside people, programmes and organisations to ensure that the pathway which spans the first point of contact with an opportunity, to clubs and sessions, are inclusive.

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

Education and Training

This area encompasses a suite of resources and training which are intended to influence, educate, and enhance confidence about disability sport provision, participation, and engagement.

The UK Disability Inclusion Training population-specific approach enables information and approaches to be relevant to everyone’s experiences.

The Play Together and UK Disability Inclusion Training Education workshops are aimed at engaging children in school years 5 and 6 (aged 7 – 11 or progression steps 2 and 3), their educators and support staff, to include everyone in the playground, within PE, and extra-curricular activities.

The UK Disability Inclusion Training (UK DIT) for Coaches and Volunteers is a programme of training specifically designed for Coaches, Volunteers and all those wishing to gain a better knowledge of meaningful inclusion, whether delivering, considering delivering, or with a relationship to individuals participating within community and/or performance settings.

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

UK Disability Inclusion Training (UK DIT)

BrightSpace (the Virtual Learning Environment DSW invested in at the beginning of 2021, went live with its first courses in December 2021. The Level 1 e-learning module of the UK DIT (Coaches and Volunteers) workshop is intended to provide a basic introduction to inclusive practice and is aimed at all those looking to make sport and physical activity more inclusive. This training is fully inclusive with captions and BSL overlay.

UK Disability Inclusion Training Level 2 provides further knowledge and understanding of inclusive practice and the theory behind it, building on the self-guided elements (Level 1), with a 90-minute online Classroom (Level 2). The Level 2 Digital Classroom element includes understanding legislation, effective communication, an in-depth discussion on how to deliver inclusively, opportunities for collaboration and discussion between practitioners, and examples of inclusive delivery.

UK Disability Inclusion Training Level 3 takes place within a primarily practical, inperson setting, providing a detailed application of inclusive practice, reflection of delivery of inclusive practice, and challenges and solutions when delivering inclusively.

Over the course of 2024/25, 553 learners have enrolled on the UK Disability Inclusion Training (DIT) level 1 course, 161 have completed DIT Level 2 coaches and volunteers’ courses, with 89 progressing onto Level 3.

DSW currently have a workforce of 18 Tutors (6 North-based, 9 South-based, and 3 based in West Wales) who have all achieved their L3 Award in Delivering Learning (ADL) or L3 Award in Education and Training (AE&T), engaging with up to two workforce development sessions annually.

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wedi cwlblhau / has completed
Fiona Reid
Gareth Thomas
Hyfforddiant Cynhwysiant Anabledd y DU i Addysg
UK Disability Inclusion Training for Education
(Lefel / Level 3)
Diolch am eich cefnogaeth. Thank you for your support.
Diolch am eich cefnogaeth. Thank you for your support.
Dyfarniad Lefel 1 mewn Gweinyddu Boccia
Level 1 Award in Officiating Boccia
Mae hyn yn ardystio bod / This certifies that
wedi cwlblhau / has completed
Gareth Thomas
Prif Swyddog GweithredolChief Executive Officer Fiona Reid Chwaraeon Anabledd Cymru Disability Sport Wales CadeiryddChair Chwaraeon Anabledd Cymru Disability Sport Wales
Mae hyn yn ardystio bod / This certifies that
wedi cwlblhau / has completed
Fiona Reid
Gareth Thomas
Hyfforddiant Cynhwysiant Anabledd y DU i Hyfforddwyr a Gwirfoddolwyr
UK Disability Inclusion Training for Coaches and Volunteers
(Lefel / Level 3)
Diolch am eich cefnogaeth. Thank you for your support.
Prif Swyddog Gweithredol
Chief Executive Officer
Chwaraeon Anabledd Cymru Disability Sport Wales
Cadeirydd
Chair Disability Sport Wales Chwaraeon Anabledd Cymru
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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

Spotlight: Swim Wales and DSW creating Aquatics UK DIT

In Mid-2024, DSW began a collaboration with Swim Wales, to establish an initial sport-specific DIT, building off the Level 1 UK DIT (Coaches & Volunteers), incorporating Aquatic specific statistics on inclusion, focusing on unique barriers within this environment, and to host a growing set of Swimming related resources that foster inclusion. It is expected that the completed content, and video media in the process of adaptation, will be piloted in September 2025.

In an expansion of this Sport-Specific DIT development, DSW is currently collaborating with the Outdoor Partnership, Wales Golf, Gymnastics Wales and other NGBs to explore development of this new suite of DIT courses. The value of sport-specific Inclusion training has been recognised by the adoption of this as part of the insport framework, with NGBs encouraged to integrate and deliver (at Level 2) these elements in the future.

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

Play Together continues to be a dynamic and inclusive learning programme aimed at primary school pupils, with a focus on Years 5 and 6 (Progression Steps 2 & 3). The programme helps children build awareness and confidence around disability and inclusion through creative and fun activities. Participants are introduced to inclusive language and terminology, explore ways to adapt games and equipment, and develop a greater understanding of how to ensure everyone can participate in play.

In 2024/25, delivery of Play Together has continued across Wales, 35 courses being delivered nationally.

Disability Sport Wales remains committed to expanding delivery, reach and quality of this programme. The collaboration with Commonwealth Games Wales (CGW) has advanced, though at a measured pace. Current efforts include:

The goal remains to create a standardised and scalable delivery model, with CGW interested in supporting future workshops, there is the potential to enhance consistency to enhance consistency and impact across Wales, ensuring that inclusive play is embedded within the school environment.

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

Learning Series

A series of learning opportunities was provided to national partners to support the enhancement of their inclusive delivery and progression on their insport journey.

The learning sessions were provided for partners ranging from inclusive community sport clubs, national governing bodies of sport, local authorities, and both regional and national partner organisations. These learning opportunities included topics on British Sign Language, ADHD, Deaf Sport, Guide Running, Recruiting and retaining volunteers, Collecting data, Celebrating Inclusion: Storytelling – The most significant change model, Inclusive Marketing, Safeguarding, and a number of opportunities focused around supporting partners aiming to celebrate inclusive practice. Overall, 19 learning opportunities were hosted across the series, with 309 learners a significant increase on 2022/23 figures.

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

Strategic Priority 2

Regional Partnerships

Significant progress has been made this year, with agreements signed across the three established partnerships—North, West, and Mid—enabling the integration of Regional Partnership Senior Officers (RPSOs) into each of these teams.

Notably, Central South Active Partnership is due to appoint a Managing Director having established earlier in the year. Gwent remains the final region to fully establish the regional partnership, but with an agreement in place for Newport Council to provide a hosted model similar to that established in Gogledd Cymru Actif North Wales.

Central South

The Central South Active Partnership is in its early stages, with their Managing Director due to start in June 2025. In the meantime, work has continued as it has in previous years with inclusive sport provision supported individually by local authorities and the RPSO focussing on establishing links with LAs, partners, and clubs to support more inclusive delivery of sport and physical activity programmes in the region.

Gwent

The Gwent regional partnership has not yet been established with discussions ongoing between Sport Wales, the host Newport County Council and regional partners. In the absence of a formalised regional partnership support around inclusive sport provision was provided individually in collaboration with the local authorities across Gwent as and when requested. Most of this support has been focused on upskilling the workforce to be able to deliver activities more inclusively.

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

North Wales

Gogledd Cymru Actif North Wales remains the most established of the regional partnerships, with the DSW Regional Partnership Senior Officer (RPSO) fully embedded in strategic and operational workstreams. This includes weekly core team meetings, innovation funding panels, staff engagement days, and local authority systems-based training. From June 2025 it is anticipated that joint meetings will commence with local authority sport development leads to align locality plans with the wider partnership approach.

Mid Wales

With the more recent establishment of the Mid Wales Sport Partnership (MWSP), work is beginning to take shape across the region. DSW will begin its first key area of collaboration with MWSP through the initiation of a Mid Wales mapping exercise, focused on identifying and understanding the breadth of sports club provision across the region. This project will be undertaken in partnership with local authority officers and marks an important step in developing a clearer picture of inclusive opportunities in Mid Wales.

West Wales

With the establishment of the West Wales Sport Partnership (WWSP), there has been a time of transition within the landscape of sport development and engagement. The Partnership applied for and received funding to be distributed as a part of the Innovation Fund. DSW have played a pivotal role in supporting both NGBs, partner organisations and the WWSP in the development of funding applications as well as the process of selection. This relationship with the WWSP is ongoing and growing in strength with positive engagement and discussions around the use of insport as a mode of development and best practice guidance for their own policy and practice design.

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

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Strategic Priority 2
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This Health-funded initiative was committed as recurrent funding to each Health Board in Wales prior to the pandemic. It placed a part time Health Practitioner in each health board with a remit to effectively signpost disabled people to physical activity (including sport) and support the training requirements of health practitioners to do this.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board also host a full-time manager to coordinate the practitioners across the Health Boards.

hdapathway.co.uk

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

upskilling training sessions delivered 79

university outreach sessions delivered 3

community events attended 25

863 health and social care workers and third sector employees trained potential service users educated about the Pathway and 189 community-based opportunities for physical activity 75 undergraduate students trained about the Pathway and inclusive physical activity and sport

referrals for signposting processed 249 times informal advice/guidance on physical activity 142 (including sport) opportunities was provided of referrals for signposting over 6-month period 62% were children under 18 years old

60%

of referrals for signposting over 6-month period were from physiotherapy teams

of referrals for signposting over 6-month period had a learning impairment or neurodivergence 42% noted as their primary or secondary impairment

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Strategic Priority 2 Co Get Out Get Active (GOGA)

On 2nd July 2024, Disability Sport Wales brought the spirit of inclusion, empowerment, and community transformation to the Senedd in Cardiff Bay for the official launch of the Get Out Get Active (GOGA) Manifesto.

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The event marked the culmination of seven years of impactful delivery through GOGA in Wales—a UK-wide programme that has successfully supported disabled and non-disabled people to be active together, particularly reaching those least engaged in physical activity.

The evening gathered partners, policymakers, local delivery teams, volunteers, and community representatives to celebrate the achievements of GOGA and reflect on what must come next. Attendees were invited to view local case studies and hear first-hand from programme leads across Wales, including Sport Pembrokeshire, Pride Cymru, and StreetGames, who highlighted the innovative, co-produced work with underrepresented communities such as those engaged in elective home education, Global Majority groups, and LGBTQ+ populations.

The event shone a spotlight on the GOGA Manifesto: a Call to Action, which outlines essential lessons from delivery across Wales and offers a roadmap for future inclusive physical activity. These lessons include the importance of deep community consultation, fostering workforce allyship grounded in lived experience, and committing to long-term sustainable models of delivery. Notably, GOGA demonstrated an outstanding social return on investment—£4.60 in social value for every £1 invested.

As the evening closed, the message was clear: GOGA has changed lives and has to now reshaped approaches to inclusion in Wales. With the GOGA Manifesto now in hand, the next step is collective. The responsibility lies with us all—to carry forward this vision and ensure that inclusive opportunities to be active are not limited by postcode, identity, or circumstance.

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FEATURE

International Day of Disabled Persons 2024

To celebrate the 2024 International Day of Disabled Persons the DSW team hosted a celebratory event for Sport Wales National Partners. Aligned to the National Partner Forum, DSW held a learning session for all forum members, focusing on key headline statistics across disability in Wales and inclusive physical activity and sport. Partners explored population demographics, inclusive programmes, and the successes of Welsh para-athletes in Paris 2024. The learning session was supported by a Boccia session for Sport Wales and National Partner team members, lead by Commonwealth para-athlete Will Bishop.

Case Study DSW Learning Sessions

Team members participate in fortnightly learning sessions. A member of the DSW team will normally deliver one of these sessions, or they may bring in an external speaker to do so. As a result of these sessions, we will continue to develop our skills in relevant areas and share our knowledge.

Sessions that have been run include topics like, Safeguarding which provided an overview of the safeguarding standard and DSW submission. Moving to Inclusion and Deaf Sport, both, offer insights into their respective processes and projects. The Cynnig Cymraeg session provided an overview of the Cynnig Cymraeg process, outcomes and future steps. Each weekly team meeting includes a learning activity that is arranged and presented by the meeting’s chair (which is a different member of the DSW team each week). These learning tasks focus on equity, diversity, BSL, and Welsh. 46

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Strategic Priority 2

Volunteers

Volunteers play a fundamental role in the delivery of Disability Sport Wales’ programmes and initiatives. Their involvement spans a wide range of activities, including the facilitation of inclusive sessions, collaboration with local authorities through the insport Club framework, event support, and participation in relevant education and training. The contribution of volunteers is essential to the continued growth and sustainability of inclusive sport and physical activity across Wales, and their dedication significantly enhances the impact and reach of DSW’s work.

3,010 Volunteers support clubs, sessions and events delivered in partnership with Disability Sport Wales

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 202 42 -2 53

Strategic Priority 3

Empower (para) performance development

Support throughout the sector for involvement in, engagement with, and the development (across the age ranges) of physical competencies for physical activity (including sport) is key to ensuring that disabled people are as likely to have lifelong enjoyment as non-disabled people. Providing viable pathways to be involved, to progress along, to re-enter and to compete within is essential.

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Strategic Priority 3 QD

Aimed at identifying and supporting emerging athletes across Wales, athletes are provided tailored support in a tiered structure which intends to develop physical literacy as well as sport specific exposure. Provision is to all athletes who have the potential to progress in Paralympic, Commonwealth, Virtus, Deaflympic and Special Olympics pathways.

The programme also supports elite (disabled) athletes via a range of performance services who are within or transitioning on to UK, GB or Welsh programmes for Paralympic or Commonwealth Games.

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Headlines from Athlete Development Pathways

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games were highly successful for Wales, marking their most successful performance in two decades.

A total of 21 Welsh athletes and one pilot competed across 12 sports, contributing 16 medals (7 gold, 5 silver, 4 bronze) to Paralympics GB’s total of 127 medals, accounting for 12% of the overall count.

The Para Sport Festival 2024 delivered 6 competitive events, including 5 Paralympic sports, with 2 British-level and 1 Europeanlevel championship

The Para Sport Festival insport Series event provided 9,600 participation opportunities across 22 sports for disabled individuals, an increase from 8,954 in 2023.

The Performance Pathway Programme completed its third year, with 110 Inspire signposts received and 56 athletes attending practical sessions.

Collaborations with National Governing Bodies (NGBs) expanded, including athlete mapping sessions with Swimming and Tennis, and a joint table tennis talent identification campaign that attracted new athletes into the sport.

Boccia Cyrmu took 9 athletes to UK Boccia Championships hosted by Scottish Disability Sport out of their national sports training facility in Inverclyde, doubling their team size from 2023.

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25 Wales at the PARS 202 Paralympic Games The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games were anticipated for remarkable success, featuring a long list of 39 athletes identified by Disability Sport Wales, including ten medallists and three reigning champions from the postponed 2020 Tokyo Games. Notably, Aled Davies was striving to secure his fourth gold medal, marking his fourth consecutive Paralympic appearance since his debut in London in 2012. Additionally, Matt Bush made his Paralympic debut in Paris after recently achieving significant accolades as the 2023 World champion and the European champion just a month before the games. The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games have been the most successful performance for Wales in the past two decades. A total of 21 athletes (equalling the athlete total from Tokyo 2020), along with one pilot, competed across 12 sports, contributing to Paralympics GB’s impressive medal count of 127, which includes 16 medals from Wales—accounting for 12% of the overall total. This remarkable achievement comprises 7 gold, 5 silver, and 4 bronze medals. Eleven of the selected athletes progressed through the Disability Sport Wales performance pathway programme. ) { 51

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DÉBUTANTS DÉBUTANTS

The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games marked a significant milestone for several Welsh athletes who made their debut on this esteemed international stage. These newcomers brought fresh energy and talent to the competitions, demonstrating the depth and potential of Welsh athletes within the Paralympic movement.

Funmi Oduwaiye Athletics

Funmi made her first Paralympic appearance in Paris, showcasing her remarkable talent and determination in athletics. Her debut was highly anticipated, and she did not disappoint, delivering impressive performances that set the stage for her future in the sport.

Harrison Walsh Athletics

Although Harrison was originally selected for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, an injury in training prevented him from competing. Paris 2024 offered him a second chance to demonstrate his potential on the world stage.

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Rhys Darbey Swimming

Rhys made waves in the swimming events during his first Paralympic appearance. His participation in Paris marked the beginning of what promises to be a successful Paralympic career, as he competed with passion and dedication which resulted him returning home with a gold and silver medal.

,:

Matt Bush Taekwondo

A World and European champion, Matt entered the Paralympic arena for the first time in Paris. His debut was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing his expertise in taekwondo and earning him a gold medal.

Steffan Lloyd Cycling

Partnering with James Ball, Steffan made his debut as a pilot in cycling at the Paris Games. Together, they achieved a historic win, becoming the first full Welsh pairing to secure a gold medal in the Men’s B 1000m Time Trial, setting a high bar for future competitors.

These debutants not only participated but excelled, setting new standards, with hope to inspire future generations of athletes. Their performances are a testament to the strength and success of the Disability Sport Wales performance pathway, which continues to nurture and develop elite sporting talent.

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MEDALLISTS MEDALLISTS

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games were a showcase of remarkable talent from Welsh athletes, contributing significantly to the overall success of Paralympics GB. Here are the athletes from Wales who earned medals at the Games:

~~f~~ Y Sabrina Fortune _ ttn Athletics

Matt Bush Taekwondo

• Gold Medal in the Men’s K44 +80kg, his debut, marking a sensational Z } entry into the Paralympic arena on di

Laura Sugar Canoe

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James Ball and Steffan Lloyd Cycling

Ben Pritchard Rowing

Rhys Darbey Swimming

Jodie Grinham Archery

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25 ~~-— .~~ ae Georgia Wilson | * | ‘ URC, 2 ay . s ‘ 4 a” ee . ‘ ay Equestrian cS

Rob Davies Table Tennis

Phil Pratt Wheelchair Basketball

Aled Davies Athletics

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Paul Karabardak i Table Tennis

Hollie Arnold Athletics

| MICROSITE MICROSITE Taking the same approach as for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Summer Games /-~ and Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, we developed a microsite attached to the Disability Sport Wales website as a hub for content and results related Paris 2024.

LloydBell Productions supported us by securing and producing exclusive interviews with every athlete from or based in Wales selected for the Games.

The microsite was the most successful yet in terms of audience reach, welcoming over 19,000 visitors in the six weeks before and during the Games.

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Spotlight: DSW at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

by Nathan Stephens

Head of Performance Development

Being in Paris for the Paralympic Games was an experience I’ll t never forget. Since retiring from competition in 2014 I have been working behind the scenes, helping to nurture the next generation of Welsh talent either as a coach or as part of my role with Disability Sport Wales.

But this time, I had the incredible opportunity to be right in the thick of the action once again, as part of the Channel 4 commentary team, a new experience for me, but one that I wanted to take on. It was a privilege to be able to share my insights and knowledge around the para-athletics throws . programme, especially with so many familiar faces competing

There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere in a Paralympic stadium, and being there as our Welsh throwers took to the world stage was truly special and brought back so many positive memories for me. You feel every ounce of tension, every surge of excitement, and it’s amplified when you know the athletes personally, having trained beside them and have witnessed their dedication first hand.

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There were so many highlights from the Games, but for me personally, being able to be in the stands commentating on the performance of both Hollie Arnold and Aled Davies was something special, my previous training partners when we were based out of the National indoor athletic centre, Cardiff, under the guidance of our coach Anthony Hughes MBE. It felt like a full circle moment, knowing the struggles that both these athletes faced in the run up to the games, I could feel every emotion with them, every throw as the pressure built up through the rounds, and then being able to articulate those moments, those feelings for a national audience felt incredibly rewarding.

Being able to combine my role at Disability Sport Wales with my commentary duties was fantastic. It’s a unique position that allows me to see the journey from development to elite performance firsthand. Witnessing Hollie and Aled’s successes in person, it’s about more than just medals; it’s about inspiring the next wave of Welsh Paralympians, showing them what’s possible, and hopefully, getting more people involved in disability sport back home.

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Feature: Find Your Fire

Disability Sport Wales (DSW) is set to create increased access to para-sport pathways with its innovative ‘Find Your Fire’ (FYF) Resource. This initiative aims to make crucial information about performance pathways for specific impairment types readily available, transforming how disabled individuals engage with sports.

Currently, the DSW Performance Development Team shares this expertise verbally, but the new FYF resource will make this information significantly more accessible, enabling more disabled people to reach their full potential in sports. The resource will serve as a vital tool for understanding impairment types and the current events available within various sports, ensuring consistency across National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sports with Commonwealth and/or Paralympic Pathways.

The benefits of the Find your Fire resource extend to a wide range of beneficiaries, including disabled people, their families, NGBs, Local Authorities, schools, and the health sector. For instance, schools will be able to use the resource to identify pupils who may have an eligible impairment type for a para pathway. This proactive approach is designed to encourage disabled people to become active in sport and embark on appropriate pathways that could lead to Commonwealth and Paralympic success.

DSW believes that the development of the Find your Fire Resource will put Wales at the forefront of para-sport development, ensuring every disabled person has the opportunity to access clear and accessible para-pathway information and increased opportunities to participate in competitive sports. This type of comprehensive information is not currently available in this format from other UK home nation disability sport organisations or UK Sport.

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Strategic Priority 3

Partnership with Taith

This year DSW secured two partnerships with Taith (the Welsh International Learning Exchange).

One enabled us to create an innovative profiling tool which connects the DSW Performance Pathway into NGB’s and empowers disabled people to identify their profile and functional ability against the classifications within each para sport.

The second partnership spans this financial year and next and will result in a team of young Boccia Cymru players travelling to Portugal to train with Portuguese players and gain experience of travelling to and competing abroad.

Case Study: Boccia Cymru in Portugal

Following a successful funding submission DSW have received support from Taith to deliver a training camp for Welsh junior Boccia players. The remit of the project is to offer an international exchange to four junior boccia athletes which includes training or competitive boccia and an opportunity for cultural enrichment, taking in the history, culture and heritage of the host area.

continued >

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Following a period of engagement with World Boccia a potential international partner and host was identified in Portugal. Working closely with Paralisia Cerebral - Associação Nacional de Desporto (PCAND) and Boccia Portugal a proposed format for a training camp was identified, including time for a day tour of Porto. An important element in preparing for a training camp such as this is a visit to the area to assess accessibility of the general area, accommodation, transport and training venues. At the end of February 2025, the Performance Development Team made a 3 day visit to Porto to do just this.

Day 1 included a test of public transport from the airport to Porto city centre, taking note of step free access routes, gap sizes between tram and station floors and change free routes. Pleasingly all factors were suitable for a party including power chair users. Notes were made about the steep gradient and camber of drop kerbs at pedestrian crossings and routes to minimise the need to use these were planned between tram stations and the proposed accommodation. Upon arrival at the hotel, it quickly became clear that the lift to access accommodation floors would be too small for use by our group during the main visit. All other aspects of the accommodation were appropriate, but the lift size will prompt exploration of other accommodation options.

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The second day of the visit was a busy one. The morning included a visit to the Boccia Portugal Performance training camp at the nearby venue. Our visit here included meeting the team staff, players, a tour of the training facility and onsite accommodation followed by an observation of a training session. The DSW team took a great deal of learning from observing the training session which has been passed on to Wales based coaches and implemented in Boccia Cymru group training sessions. The afternoon saw a self-guided tour of the city of Porto.

The initial plan had been to meet with a local accessible tour guide to explore the possibility of utilising their services for the main visit but shortly before departing for the preparatory visit we were informed that the company had moved its services out of Porto. While disappointing, this did present the opportunity to design a bespoke self-led tour of the city that would meet the needs of our group and provide total flexibility based on the circumstances on the day.

The planned route included a short tram ride to the Dom Luis I bridge, before crossing the upper deck of the bridge using the pedestrianised route. Next, a short walk to the Sé do Porto Cathedral which can be viewed from the outside with step-free access.

The next part of our planned tour gave two options. Either a visit to World of Discoveries Museum or the Museum of Transportation and Communication.

Located close to each other, there would be flexibility to decide closer to the time. In preparation for this possibility a visit was made to each to assess accessibility. Finally on the return to the accommodation the cable car that provides views of the historic docks and industrial area was used. The cable car can be stopped to allow safe entry and exit by a wheelchair user.

The final day of the visit was centred on a return to the training venue to spend more time with the coaches and athletes before taking the tram journey back to the airport, reviewing step-free access routes and our assessment of the inward journey.

There is now a decision to be made on whether Porto is the right host for our training camp. The preparatory visit has proved to be most useful in our scoping exercise.

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Strategic Priority 3 =>

Boccia Cymru

This is a partnership with Disability Sport Wales to begin to establish Boccia Leadership in Wales with a clear and unique brand. The intention of the partnership is to generate financial resources which will create a sustainable way to deliver boccia to communities across Wales; as well as establishing a performance pathway which works for Welsh athletes and feeds into the UK system.

Case Study: The Power of Volunteers to support Boccia in Wales.

At the heart of every successful Boccia athlete is a dedicated team, and for Welsh champion Mark Roderick, that team includes volunteer ramp operators, Rhianna and Rahul Dalal. Their commitment exemplifies the crucial role volunteers play in enabling athletes to achieve their full potential in competitive sport.

Rhianna’s journey into para-sport volunteering began when she reached out to Disability Sport Wales through an expression of interest, despite having no prior connection to Boccia. with a little advice from the Performance Development team, her enthusiasm quickly led her to a trial session with Mark. Rahul, originally introduced to the sport through Rhianna’s involvement, seamlessly stepped in as a ramp operator when Rhianna was pregnant, ensuring Mark’s consistent support.

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With professional backgrounds in healthcare, both Rhianna and Rahul bring an invaluable set of skills to their roles: incredible attention to detail and the ability to work effectively under pressure. As ramp operators for Mark, a BC3 classification athlete, their duties extend far beyond simply positioning the ramp. They are integral to his competitive performance, involving precise ball placement based on his cues, maintaining pre-game routines, assisting with ramp calibration, and reviewing performances after matches. The nuances of learning the ramp, adapting to varied competition environments, and navigating travel commitments have all been challenges they’ve embraced and overcome with dedication.

Their immediate impact was undeniable. Mark, a seasoned national competitor who has represented Wales at UK championships and Challenger events, secured his first Welsh Championship title in 2024 during his first year working with Rhianna. Their continued support has been vital as he continues to compete at a high national level.

The contributions of Rhianna and Rahul extend beyond individual athlete success. Their motivation and talent are a significant asset, strengthening the entire Boccia Cymru pathway. Ramp operators are an indispensable part of the system; without them, athletes like Mark would not have the platform to showcase their talent or chase their dreams. Recognising their expertise and dedication, Rhianna and Rahul have also taken on a mentoring role, supporting the development of new and less experienced ramp operators working with other athletes, further enriching the volunteer network within Welsh Boccia.

The Dalals’ unwavering support for Mark Roderick is a shining example of how passionate volunteers drive athlete success and bolster the foundations of our performance pathways.

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Strategic Priority 3

Performance Pathway Programme

The Performance Pathway Programme successfully completed its third year of operation, continuing to deliver a blend of virtual and practical hub sessions designed to nurture aspiring Welsh athletes. In the 2024/25 cycle, we delivered five practical sessions across Wales and one focused virtual webinar. An indicator of the programme’s reach and initial engagement was the impressive number of 110 Inspire signposts received, demonstrating strong interest from individuals looking to embark on their sporting journey.

Athlete engagement remained a key strength, with 56 attendees participating in the practical sessions and 13 athletes engaging in the virtual webinar. The virtual session, open to athletes across all tiers, continued to provide a valuable platform for individuals at the start of their sporting journey to learn from and connect with a performance lifestyle practitioner, fostering an inspiring environment for mentoring and development. The virtual webinar specifically covered vital aspects of performance lifestyle, equipping athletes with crucial skills to support their holistic development. Practical sessions remained open for Tier 1 participants and selected Tier 2 athletes, ensuring targeted support for those identified for highperformance development.

An analysis of the performance pathway membership revealed that the most popular sports for participating athletes are wheelchair basketball (19%), athletics (15%), and boccia (9%). Conversely, sports with the lowest number of participating athletes currently include climbing, cycling, triathlon, and snow sports, highlighting areas for potential future development and outreach.

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The 2024/25 cycle saw continued and expanding collaboration with National Governing Bodies (NGBs). Notably, we successfully conducted athlete mapping sessions with Swimming and Tennis, which enable targeted support for athletes to be implemented via the DSW Performance Pathway. jointly delivered table tennis talent identification campaign with Table Tennis Wales broadened the scope of athlete scouting and development, attracting 15 sign-ups. Participants who engaged with this table tennis campaign were also signposted to performance pathway opportunities in other sports where appropriate, ensuring comprehensive athlete development. This collaborative approach not only provided participants with opportunities to try a

variety of sports they may not have previously considered accessible but also benefited NGBs by offering their coaches an invaluable environment to work with individuals across diverse impairments, functional abilities, and physical competencies. This year’s NGB collaborations also included supporting Tennis Wales and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) with the classification process for Wales’ number one wheelchair tennis player.

The inclusion of Boccia activity at practical sessions continued to be a successful and impactful addition to the Performance Pathway Hub (PPH) programme. We observed increased participation in Boccia sessions as part of the performance pathway day camps, particularly in the lead-up to competitive opportunities. This vital support ensures that athletes on the Boccia Cymru pathway have further opportunities to train and develop outside their club environment. This has clearly reflected in enhanced on-court performances with 9 athletes travelling to compete at the Northern Ireland Challenger event and 8 competing at the UK championships. Looking ahead, the team also began developing a women’s and girl’s Boccia campaign, planned for delivery in 2025/26. This initiative stems from a comprehensive analysis of opportunities within the sport and the current gender make-up of the Performance Pathway as a whole, which is currently 63% male and 36% female, highlighting a proactive approach to address participation gaps and further expand development opportunities.

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Feature: Partnership with Goalball UK

Disability Sport Wales and Goalball UK have a long-established relationship and recently have forged a closer partnership with a DSW national lead for Goalball working directly with Goalball UK’s Development Officer on a national plan for Wales.

This has come about as there are limited opportunities for VI people to participate in bespoke sports in Wales and there is no invasion game or team sports at all in North Wales for VI. A Be Active Wales Grant (BAWF) grant has been awarded to Goalball UK to develop a North Wales Goalball Club as VI projects have consistently proven to be among the most stubborn of inequalities to develop. Having worked closely with numerous key partners in 2023 there is insight and data to support this development and there is a commitment from the partners to create a primary VI club in North Wales. This has a partnership consensus with the primary aim of improving the quality of life and opportunities for VI participants.

A brief summary of the 2025-26 plan comprises of:

During the past 12 months there has been some promotional resources created, most recently by Sport Wales having funded the North Wales Goalball sessions with BAWF, Link to video: North Wales Goalball Club

Goalball now features on the DSW website with its own page (as part of Find Your Fire) with the aim of providing people with sight loss a pathway within disability sport.

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Feature: Learning Disability Active

Over the past year, we have made significant progress in shaping the strategic direction of The Alliance (now LD Active). Following a period of consultation and development, our updated strategy was finalised and formally presented to our partners at the March 2025 hybrid meeting, which included both in-person and online attendance.

As part of our strategic evolution, we undertook a comprehensive rebranding process. This included the redevelopment of our organisation’s name, becoming LD Active/AD Actif, and with the design of a new logo. These changes were informed directly by valuable partner feedback, ensuring that the new brand better reflects our shared vision, values, and commitment to inclusivity.

Leadership within the organisation has also seen a transition. Due to increased professional commitments, Stephen Morris has stepped down from his role as Chair. We are pleased to announce that Paralympic champion and advocate Sabrina Fortune MBE has accepted the position. Sabrina was warmly welcomed and introduced to our partners during the March meeting, marking an exciting new chapter in our leadership.

Looking Ahead :

Our focus for the coming year is to strengthen and expand our network of partnerships across Wales, with the goal of embedding LD Active partnerships at both local and national levels. We have initiated early discussions with key partners including the Urdd and Colegau Cymru to explore collaborative approaches for implementing long-term strategies. These discussions centre on creating meaningful, sustainable opportunities for young people with learning disability—particularly within educational and extracurricular settings.

We have opened conversations with Special Olympics Wales regarding the co-development and sharing of coaching resources specifically tailored to support individuals with learning disability. These early-stage discussions are promising, and we look forward to working closely to enhance training materials and build capacity across the coaching workforce.

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Highlight 2024 Bowls European Championships

The European Lawn Bowls Championships took place at Northfield Bowling Club in Ayr, Scotland from the 1-8th September 2024. History was made this year with the inclusion of Para Bowls and it didn’t disappoint with both quality bowling and drama including a final end shoot out to decide the Gold medal in the Mixed VI (Visual Impairment) Pairs. Wales were front and centre of this historic milestone sending two teams to compete at the European Championships: Mixed VI Pairs and Men PD (Physical Disability) Pairs.

Welsh Teams

VI Team (overleaf) Julie Thomas (Lead) Alison Peters (Director) Steffan James (Skip) Chris Daniels (Director)

PD Team (right) Paul Brown (Lead) Damian Hallett (Skip) John Wilson (Team Manager)

Having never been to a European Championships before the team were looking forward to the experience greatly. The venue has 5 bowling greens, stands for spectators and is a super place to bowls. With 18 countries participating in the Europeans, Northfield was a buzz of bowlers, different languages, coloured flags and shirts. It was a superb place to be for the week of bowling. The team were able to soak up this atmosphere during our practice days.

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The PD Bowlers Paul Brown and Damian Hallett delivered strong performances at the European Championships and can consider themselves unfortunate not to have qualified for the Gold play-off final. On two occasions, they established significant leads over their opponents but were unable to maintain their advantage until the end, which resulted in them narrowly missing out the silver medal.

The VI pairing of Julie Thomas and Steffan James, expertly supported by directors Alison Peters and Chris Daniels, proved to be an exceptionally effective combination. They comfortably won all four of their games en route to the final.

The final itself was a hard-fought contest, with both teams demonstrating impressive skill. The Welsh duo established an 8-4 lead at the midway point, but Scotland mounted a comeback, levelling the score at nine shots apiece by the final end. At this critical juncture, strategic intervention was made, providing precise direction on line and shots to play. The Welsh pair executed the plan exceptionally well, which led to the Scottish team losing composure under pressure. By gaining the crucial shot and preventing Scotland from any retrieval, they secured a thrilling one-shot victory.

“ As a Welshman and Welsh Team Manager, I am so very proud of just how well our Para teams played throughout this tournament. To have gone undefeated throughout the whole tournament, our vision impaired bowlers Julie and Steffan truly deserved to win the Gold medal. To do it at the first ever inclusive ” European Bowls Championship, something that will always be remembered —

— John Wilson, Wales Team Manger

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Strategic Priority 3
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The Para Sport Festival 2024 aimed to build on previous years’ successes, further establishing Wales and Swansea as a leading host for para sport events. The festival included a range of competitive events and participation opportunities, focusing on social impact, economic contribution, and the development of inclusive sport.

The festival aimed to deliver at least 6 competitive events hosted by Welsh and/or British National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport, with a minimum of two British-level and two international-level competitive para sport events.

In total, 6 competitive events were delivered in partnership with Welsh and British NGBs. Of these, 5 were Paralympic sports, including 2 British-level championships and 1 European-level championship.

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2024 Event Schedule Competitive

June Physical Disability Rugby League Wales v All Stars 21 ’ Boccia UK Teams and Pairs July Championship 10-11 Welsh Shooting - British Open July Para Sport Championships 2024 12-14 European Judo Union (EJU) July Get Together Tournament 2024 13 a fo British Para Table Tennis July Swansea Open 13 ac ites July Wheelchair Rugby Welsh Open 13 Fone

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insport Series: Swansea Swansea Bay Sports Park

July Multisport 11

Take Part

insport Series events provide inclusive sporting opportunities for disabled children, young people and adults. The events take the format of a range of opportunities to experience inclusive sports which are provided by local insport Clubs and National Governing Bodies to provide a local pathway into inclusive clubs (insport Clubs).

The aspiration from this component within the Para Sport Festival is to ensure the wider festival includes grassroots or initial participation opportunities for children, young people and adults that are hopefully inspired through the elite provision across Swansea. The format of the insport series event would enable participants, coaches, and a wider network of volunteers to expand their experiences, access sports they may not have considered as available or accessible, and make connections with local clubs providing great, sustainable opportunities within an inclusive environment.

A total of 22 sports were delivered across the event, providing 9600 participation opportunities across the event, an increase from 8954 in 2023. The insport Series event continues to play a key role in raising awareness of the availability of physical activity (including sport) opportunities locally in Swansea and grow the interest in inclusive and para sport alongside the competitive para sport opportunities.

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Federation of Disability Sport Wales Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25

Five Para Sport Festival events were live streamed, attracting a combined audience of 5,898 viewers, which is above the target despite a slight decrease from 2023. The EJU Get Together accounted for the largest share with 3,868 viewers.

Articles were published in local and national media, including Dai Sport, Swansea Bay News, and Sport Wales. TV and radio features were broadcast on That’s TV South Wales, ITV Cymru Wales News, Heno, BBC Radio Wales, and Greatest Hits Radio.

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Strategic Priority 4

Grow as a sector-leading, healthy and accountable organisation

Demonstrating our learning, building on what we do and how we do it, and being accountable to our team, funders and partners is important to DSW’s progress. A changing landscape for sport means different ways of working, learning and transparency in what we do..

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Strategic Priority 4

National Youth Board

The Disability Sport Wales National Youth Board (NYB) continues to represent young people aged 14–24 years old, offering a platform for their voices within disability sport in Wales. Meeting quarterly, either virtually or in person, the NYB provides input and feedback on key areas of Disability Sport Wales’ work, with a focus on communication and engagement relevant to young people.

During 2024/2025, the NYB experienced some transition, with three members stepping down due to reaching the upper age limit or university commitments. While this has reduced the size of the board, it has also presented an opportunity to reflect on the NYB’s structure and future direction. Plans are now in place to review and refresh the board’s membership and approach, with an emphasis on strengthening links with the Regional Sport Partnerships to ensure broader engagement and representation across Wales.

The NYB remains committed to supporting Disability Sport Wales and contributing to initiatives that promote inclusive sport for young people. Preparations for the next phase of board development are already underway, aiming to ensure a vibrant, diverse, and impactful NYB for the years ahead.

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Strategic Priority 4

—— —— — Exceptional Standards ——-

All the FDSWs work is underpinned by a desire to ensure that it is a high functioning organisation which has exceptional standards. To do this, we continue to work with Sport Wales to demonstrate capability and accountability, as well as achieve outcomes which are consistent with sector standards in safeguarding, equity, and digital transformation..

The Sport Sector have several frameworks which enable us to maintain a focus and progress within Safeguarding (NSPCC/CPSU Safeguarding Standards for Sport, and the Anne Craft Trust Safeguarding Adults in Sport Standard), Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (Moving to Inclusion Framework (previously the Equality Standard: A Framework for sport)), Governance and Financial Capability (SW Capability and Accountability Framework), and Anti-Doping (UK Anti-Doping Framework). DSW are committed to the outcomes these frameworks support and ensure that each set of guiding principles will make a difference to DSW as an organisation, but also to the people who are and could be connected to disability sport in Wales.

Safeguarding Standards for Sport

Disability Sport Wales (DSW) is firmly committed to safeguarding all children and adults involved in their sports activities. This is demonstrated by our work to meet and exceed the Level 2 Safeguarding Standard established by the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) and Sport Wales.

Since achieving the level 2 Safeguarding standard, DSW has established a safeguarding management group that meet every quarter to discuss any concerns or key areas of development. DSW continue to receive expert guidance from the CPSU and ACT to support in developing an ongoing action plan to ensure that safeguarding continues to be embedded in all of DSW’s procedures and practices.

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UKAD Framework: Retained full compliance Disability Confident Employer: Retained this Government assurance SW Governance Capability: All requirements met

SW Financial Capability: Had a deep dive review in 2024/2025, and all conditions were met.

Moving to Inclusion:

Embedding Equity and Progress at Every Level

This year, Disability Sport Wales has taken significant steps forward in its journey to embed inclusive practice across the organisation through the Moving to Inclusion (M2I) framework. Designed to replace the Equality Standard for Sport, M2I guides organisations through a process of self-reflection, continuous improvement, and organisational development across five key pillars of inclusion.

A dedicated internal working group was established to lead the process. Using the M2I diagnostic tool, the group assessed the organisation’s current position and generated key areas for development. From this, a comprehensive Continuous Improvement Plan was created and finalised, with specific actions assigned to team members across DSW.

Progress on the plan has been steady, with efforts made to ensure it is both accountable and embedded into day-to-day operations. Work is also underway to improve the structure and format of our tracking system making it more accessible and easier to navigate for staff and board members. To support our progress, we have benefited from expert mentoring over the last year. As this support period concludes in early 2025, we are engaging with our mentor to determine next steps.

—— The group will continue to meet quarterly to monitor progress and refine the plan —— ee as necessary. A full re-evaluation using the diagnostic tool is scheduled for the end of 2025.

The journey through M2I has been both reflective and future focused. It has allowed us to assess where we are, identify where we need to grow, and commit to meaningful, sustainable change. With a strong foundation now in place, Disability Sport Wales remains committed to inclusion in our practice and culture.

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Feature:

Disabled Young Leaders in Sport Inspiring Connections Event

Following the success of the 2023 event the Disabled Young Leaders in Sport Inspiring Connections Event returned for its second instalment in June 2024 with Welsh Rugby Union as headline sponsor.

The event hosted at the All Nations Centre, Cardiff supported by the BBC, Sported and Cardiff Metropolitan University provided the opportunity for disabled young people in sport to come together in an inclusive environment to build connections, be inspired, and inspire others.

The event format encouraged inspiration and connection by including:

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Wellbeing Framework

The purpose of the framework is to establish, promote and maintain the wellbeing of all our team through workplace practices. Disability Sport Wales is committed to providing a thriving working environment and recognises that the wellbeing of our team is a key element to employees’ mental health and wellbeing and is therefore key to organisational success.

Wellbeing to DSW includes the physical and mental health of employees; while recognising employees’ values, personal development and areas of work contribute to their overall wellbeing at work.

The framework sets out the basis for our organisation to provide an environment that promotes and supports a positive state of mental health and wellbeing for our employees and those we work with. It also supports the Disability Sport Wales strategy, by helping to achieve our strategic priorities, with a particular focus on Strategic Priority 4: Grow as a sector-leading, healthy and accountable organisation.

The simplest way to understand the wellbeing of the team and what support they may need is to ask. As a result, the whole team were surveyed to capture any positives and to raise any concerns relating to their wellbeing. Where possible, making appropriate suggestions for improvements that could positively impact the wellbeing of the team.

Audit

The FDSW Audit was completed by Azets within the usual timelines and was completed virtually. The continuation of the use of the Inflo system worked well for sharing information safely and securely and ensured there was a strong connection between the audit and DSW team.

The DSW Board Newletter

Board members receive the DSW Board Newsletter. Some of the items included are taken from our weekly team meetings, in which staff members vote on the areas they believe should be presented to board members to inform them of operational activities.

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Feature:

In October 2024, the DSW team hosted the Dylanwadu Conference, followed by a celebratory Paralympic homecoming Gala Dinner at the Coldra Court Hotel, Newport.

The conference served a dual purpose, facing both the sport and corporate sectors. The event split into the morning supported by Sport Wales, exclusively for National Governing Bodies and the Sporting Sector, and the afternoon supported by Team Wales Business Club, exclusively for corporate-sector delegates. The conference featured keynote speakers and a variety of 45-minute learning sessions including:

Following the success of the 2024 event, the DSW team are now working towards the return of the Dylanwadu Conference which will take place at Venue Cymru, Llandudno on the 2nd October, 2025.

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Immediately following the Dylanwadu Conference, the Celebrating Paris Dinner included a drinks reception, three-course meal, and an opportunity to celebrate the stories and successes of the Welsh athletes who represented ParalympicsGB at the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games.

Disability Sport Wales Award Winners

Emerging Athlete of the Year Award (and Gareth John Bursary): Meghan Willis Lifetime Achievement Award: Dot Gallagher

Strategic Priority 4

Governance representation outside of DSW:

The DSW team continue to make representation on several boards, committees, and groups to support the on-going development of disability sport across Wales and the UK:

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We Set Out to Achieve

Target met or exceeded Target partially met or exceeded Y Target not met but progress made Target not met ®

Strategic Priority 1

Establish effective partnerships for an inclusive sector culture

1

At least one organisation achieving insport Gold Standard (insport NGB or insport Partnerships)

Pembrokeshire County Council achieved insport Partnerships Gold Standard.

NGB

70% of Paralympic and Para Commonwealth Games Welsh NGBs are working towards an insport NGB standard.

78% of Paralympics and Para Commonwealth Games Welsh NGBs are working towards a Standard of insport (between Ribbon and Gold).

Complete a gap analysis of the Paris Paralympic Games to ensure appropriate focus for performance development resourcing for the LA 2028 cycle.

A Performance Review was conducted. This is being used to analyse investment and plan for continuing efficient use of resources to support performance outcomes.

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Four additional DSW-led resources are uploaded to the DSW Research Hub.

The following DSW-led resources were published in 2024-25:

• Disability Sport Wales Strategic Plan 2024-28 • )re Community Inclusive Sport and Physical Activity 10-year Data Trends Report There will be two eligibility resources which will support the identification of para specific opportunities in Wales

DSW are finalising the Find you Fire resource (in partnership with Taith). This will be launched next financial year.

A trilingual (BSL, Welsh and English) downloadable resource for use within community activity settings.

A pilot English + Welsh + BSL physical resource was launched at the insport Series: Cardiff event in January 2025, supported by an online text + audio + video version: htps://www.disabilitysportwales.com/trilingualcoaching

Establish effective partnerships for an inclusive sector culture

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Strategic Priority 2

Enable inclusive active pathways

We will have held a GOGA celebration and a call to action to partners for allocation of funding or to embed the learning into current/future programmes & activities.

The GOGA Manifesto was launched at an event sponsored by John Griffiths MS on the 2nd July 2024.

~~a~~ GOGA Call to Acton (July 2024)

DSW will have engaged with all established Regional Partnerships and identify support which will embed inclusion.

At the end of 2024/2025 DSW have engaged with all established Regional Partnerships: Gogledd Cymru Actif North Wales, West Wales Sport Partnership and Mid Wales Sport Partnership

Deliver 15 SPAR insport Series events across Wales (3- with a focus on intersectional delivery – VI/LGBT+)

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We will work with partners to provide opportunities which are intended to increase the activity levels of disabled people from global majority communities and disabled women.

The percentage of disabled coaches and volunteers within the workforce, identified through the DSW Club & Session Survey, will increase by 2%.

16% of the workforce identify as disabled. This is a 4% reduction compared to last year’s data, but there was an increase of 368% in the sample size.

UK Disability Inclusion Training is embedded within 2 NGB’s coach education provision.

Swim Wales will be the first to provide a sport-specific version of the UK DIT (Coaches and Volunteers). This will be launched in summer 2025.

Enable inclusive active pathways

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Strategic Priority 3

Empower (para) performance development

Welsh athletes continue to reflect 10% of the total team size at Paris Summer Paralympics (2024), and World Championship teams.

11% of the ParalympicsGB team were athletes from or based in Wales.

NGB

With support from DSW, 10 Welsh NGBs with a Paralympic/ Commonwealth Games Pathway are delivering a Performance Pathway Programme which result in increasing numbers of athletes within their system.

11 Welsh NGBs with a Paralympic/ Commonwealth Games Pathway are delivering a Performance Pathway Programme which result in increasing numbers of athletes within their system.

Co-produce a pathway delivery plan with identified NGB’s (Athletics & Swimming) to support D/deaf athletes into sustained provision.

This is being developed with Swim Wales, Welsh Athletics and Golf Wales. The focus into next year will be on the development of the D/deaf sport pathway in Wales and how it connects to the GB pathway.

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Working through the Alliance identify provision for & II/LD and possibility of a pathway delivery plan.

DSW will deliver 6 (2 GB 2 European) competitions and influence and advocate for NGBs to hold competitions in Wales.

European events:

British events

120 #Inspire signposts received and directed into para sport pathways.

110 #Inspire forms were received and directed into para sport pathways.

Empower (para) performance development

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Strategic Priority 4 Grow as a sector-leading, healthy and accountable organisation aE DSW will have made successful grant submissions, in conjunction with key partners, to support the ongoing 7 appointment of the Deaf Sport Senior Officer.

A Taith application (Pathway 1) was submitted to support a learning visit to Deaf Sport Australia (£59,350).

Resource will have been identified through successful grant applications to support some programme delivery for the Intellectual Impairment/Learning Disability Alliance.

DSW have continued to support the delivery of LD Active, and the development of a strategic direction and brand. Applications will be made next year to underpin further work in this area.

DSW will have delivered 2 National Events, one of which will be for Boccia. 7 a DSW delivered and partnered the: • Welsh Boccia National Championships 2,

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DSW colleagues, alongside other partners, will have contributed to 4 national and/or international conferences, raising the profile of disability sport, systems and learning in Wales.

Delivered at:

Our Governance Implementation Plan (GIP) reflects the additional expectations of the Charity Code for Good Governance.

This has been embedded, and the Governance Improvement Plan is specifically focused on at each Governance committee meeting.

A DSW staff Wellbeing Survey is established, and the findings are used to refine the DSW Wellbeing Framework.

The Wellbeing Survey received a 100% response rate and has been used to make changes to better support the DSW thrive.

Empower (para) performance development

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What we will achieve in 2025/26 In April 2025 DSW will work towards reviewed Strategic Priorities and Ambitions and will have restructured to ensure that there is clear leadership against each area of our work. Detailed achievements for 2025/2026 will be communicated in our Operational Plan 2025/2026.

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Strategic Priority 3

Empower (para) performance development

Headline priorities for 2025/2026 are:

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Strategic Priority 4

Grow as a sector-leading, healthy, and accountable organisation.

Headline priorities for 2025/2026 are:

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Overview

The charity produced a total deficit for the year of £48,768 compared to a surplus of £31,503 in the preceding year. In addition, there has been a transfer between reserves of £31,440. This resulted in an unrestricted deficit of £9,593 and a restricted deficit of £39,175. As a result, unrestricted reserves decreased to £346,122 and restricted reserves decreased to £123,752. Overall, total reserves including fixed assets now stand at £469,874.

The financial activity of The Federation of Disability Sport Wales was delivered within budget, and full Financial Self Assurance as part of the Sport Wales Capability Framework has been completed.

Frequent discussion has taken place within both FDSW Finance and Assurance Committee and FDSW Board regarding the FDSW Reserves Policy and has been amended to reflect the current climate and risk and holding appropriate reserves should conditions change.

Disability Sport Wales Management Company Limited is a wholly owned trading subsidiary of The Federation of Disability Sport Wales Ltd and its principal activity is sports administration and trading. During 2024/2025 the company was dormant.

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Reserves Policy

It is the opinion of the Trustees that the charity should hold financial reserves to provide protection against its financial risks, as identified by the annual financial risk review.

The following principal risks have been identified as reasons for the charity to hold reserves:

The definition of financial reserve for this purpose is the amount of unrestricted reserves not invested in fixed assets (net current assets excluding capital liabilities). The Trustees believe that an appropriate level of reserves for the company is an amount equivalent to providing for ‘specific combined risks’ as defined by the company’s annual financial risk review.

The Trustees may also require the development of an additional ‘designated’ reserve, built up through the company’s income generation streams, for the purposes of spending on various projects that arise from time to time to enable the company’s strategy and objectives to be achieved. This reserve will be clearly separated from company’s reserve to cover financial risks.

Current reserves are monitored against the current reserve level requirement on at least an annual basis, as part of the financial risk review. The reserves policy as agreed by Trustees is three months essential operating costs.

This year the decision was taken to invest some of the reserves held into competitive interest, short and medium terms accounts to maximise the interests on resources. The most appropriate options are being sought, and investment will take place with the support of Finance and Assurance Committee and Board in the next financial year. Any interest earned from investing into these accounts will be applied to fulfilling our charitable activities and ambitions.

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Risk

The Board continuously reviews business risk in all its operations, and this has created risk minimisation strategies in key areas. The charity has purchased indemnity insurance for its Trustees, and additional Cyber and Data Insurances to reflect the current climate.

The principal risks and uncertainties facing the charity and its subsidiary undertakings, as identified by the Trustees are:

  1. The impact of a further reduction in funding from Welsh Government via Sport Wales’ new funding model, and the need to identify additional resources from other sources.

  2. A restructure of staffing within DSW to include a Senior Leadership Team.

  3. Regional working and partnerships with the local authorities as regionalisation is established across Wales.

  4. Increasing risk of Cyber Crime..

The Trustees hold strategies for managing those above-stated risks and these are set out within the Strategic Risk Register, but incorporate the following:

  1. Ensure sufficient financial resource is available to support athletes qualifying for the Paralympic and Commonwealth Games.

  2. Maintain close and transparent relationships with both Sport Wales and WG, and clearly identify the role and purpose of the FDSW. Highlight successes and wider contribution to the sector. Seek external corporate partners to contribute funding which will reduce percentage reliance on specific funding streams.

  3. Work closely with our HR Partners (Ashton People Solutions) to ensure the restructure is consistent with our values and business needs.

  4. Continue to work with Sport Wales, partners involved in Regional Partnership, and the entities as they become established. Maintain communication with the Local Authority partners and support transition of investment.

  5. Ensure robust provision of services through IT and website and maintain up-to-date cyber security. Draw on expert advice and support to reduce risk of Cyber Crime.

The Finance and Assurance Committee has operated since 2015/16 and meets on at least four occasions each financial year. A Governance Committee was established in March 2021 and meets at least quarterly. The phasing of these meetings are Governance Committee, Finance and Assurance Committee and Board. Each with 2 weeks between them. The Terms of Reference have been agreed by Board. The strategic risk register is reviewed by the Governance Committee, then the Finance and Assurance Committee and at all Board meetings.

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Structure, Governance and Management

The Charitable model, introduced in 2011/12, continues to drive the governance structures of The Federation of Disability Sport Wales. The Federation of Disability Sport Wales remains signed up to the Welsh sport sector’s voluntary Governance and Leadership Framework for Wales and has received good feedback from Sport Wales regarding its capability and accountability.

The Federation of Disability Sport Wales is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered as a charity. The Federation of Disability Sport Wales is bound by its Memorandum and Articles of Association with was reviewed and accepted for change on the 16th October 2022 at the Annual General Meeting (copies of which are available on request). The trustees listed below are directors of the company and trustees of the charity.

It is DSW’s intention to further review the Articles of Association to ensure that the membership of the charity is reflective of the beneficiaries of our work. This work will be completed during the next financial year (2025/2026) and adjustments will be made accordingly. Currently the membership of The Federation of Disability Sport Wales is open to any Welsh National Disability Sports Organisation (NDSO), sports specific body, for so long as, in the case of a National Disability Sports Organisation or a Sports Specific Body, it remains a recognised body and is the lead body for the development of disability sport for its sport or impairment group. It is not anticipated that this will change, but that processes and the communication of The FDSW’s Articles are clearly communicated.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year were:

G Thomas (Chair)

I M Stone (Chair to the Finance and Assurance Committee (from Oct 2023)) J Hendy (Chair to the Governance Committee (Resigned 31st March 2025)) A Sharma (Resigned 2nd October 2025)

E A Johnson

G Griffiths

D Jenkins

I Griffiths (Chair to the Governance Committee (Commenced December 2024)) R Price

J Dunn

In December 2024, J Hendy stepped down from her position as Chair to the Governance Committee and as a trustee. I Griffiths has since taken on the role of Chair to the Governance Committee. The Board of Trustees would like to thank Joanna for the time she has given the board. She has been a very valued advisor and critical friend to Disability Sport Wales, and her decision to step down was so that she could apply for a maternity leave role within the organisation.

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In addition to the trustees, the following individuals support the governance structure of The Federation of Disability Sport Wales:

L Osgood (Vice President)

R Khan (Special Advisor, visual impairment and community sport) A Watkin (Independent member of the Finance and Assurance Committee)

None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

The strategic direction and policy development of The Federation of Disability Sport Wales is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees.

The Management team holds executive responsibility for implementing the polices and strategies approved by the Board of Trustees.

The Trustees are either elected at an Annual General Meeting or appointed following external advertisement for independent Board Trustees. Trustees may not serve more than two consecutive terms (or eight years). The Chair of the Board is an independent appointment following external advertisement.

The Annual General Meeting must be held within 15 months of the previous Annual General Meeting.

The Trustees of The Federation of Disability Sport Wales are also the directors for the purposes of company law and comprise:

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Staffing

All staff work using a hybrid and flexible model, some homeworking and some office-based working depending on preference, access to an office location and work demands and expectations. All staff members have one-to-one check-ins with their line managers each week. This is to ensure wellbeing, capacity and connection to colleagues is prioritised and maintained.

In June 2024 a new Deaf Sport Officer was appointed, and she will continue the work to develop of a robust and clear pathway for D/deaf and hard of hearing participants, athletes and potential participants into physical activity (including sport). She will also support governance evolution within Wales Deaf Sport.

Changes to the senior leadership team were made in May 2024 with changes to other roles alongside. Five posts were placed ‘at risk’ and were offered the opportunity to apply for 5 other roles within the organisation. These roles were:

All 5 officers who were at risk were interviewed and successful in one of the new roles within the organisation. This also resulted in changes to line management, with the SLT reporting to the CEO, and then different teams reporting to the SLT, who include:

Two members of the DSW team started maternity leave in October and December 2024 (and congratulations to the two new members of the DSW extended family). To ensure that this work was continued two maternity cover roles were advertised and appointed, one starting in October 2024 and the other in January 2025; both were employed on fixed term contracts.

In December 2024, one long serving and valued member of the DSW left the organisation to become the Executive Director of the Mid Wales Regional Partnership. She has left a strong legacy within Disability Sport Wales and colleagues are delighted to know that we will continue to work with her in her new role moving forwards. She will nevertheless be very much missed by the board and team. The role left vacant was the new Head of Active Pathways post. This was externally advertised and appointed in February 2025.

The Federation of Disability Sport Wales had 22 employees, thirteen full time staff and nine part-time, and two maternity cover staff during the period 2024/2025.

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Wider Workforce

The Federation of Disability Sport Wales also engage a workforce of tutor-qualified (ADL and AE&T) education and training tutors, as well as 2 insport Case Officers who support NGBs and 3rd Sector Organisations with insport. There is also a Para Bowls Coordinator on a contract for services.

The Communications, Media and PR partnership, is delivered by LloydBell. This partnership brings strong relationships with the Welsh media, and there are coherent contacts between athletes and one of the company directors which ensured good synergy in the build up to, and throughout the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The Communications Operational Group (COG) continues to work effectively and differentiates lead responsibility for communication of DSW activities.

Disability Sport Wales continue to support the wider sport sector with an annual learning series, which includes free-to-access training and workshops which cover a range of topics relevant to equity, inclusion, diversity and safeguarding. This year we also delivered a conference (Dylanwadu Conference) for the first time, which was a huge success. It was followed in the evening by a celebration dinner of Welsh Paralympians which was attended by athletes and supporters of inclusive sport in Wales.

In November 2024, Dave Vickery retired from his role within Welsh Sport as a financial consultant, and this meant that he also finished working with Disability Sport Wales. He has worked with DSW since the very beginning, and his leaving is felt strongly. He has significant corporate memory but worked with us to appoint a new financial consultant (Hywel Williams, H1 Finance) and alongside him to provide him with as much information as possible to ensure a smooth transition. As Hywel started DSW also transferred from QuickBooks to Xero and from Zahara to ApprovalMax. This is planned for completion by the end of this financial year.

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Employee Involvement

The FDSW are a Disability Confident Employer and operate an Offer an Interview Scheme for disabled people whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. In the event of members of staff acquiring impairment whilst employed by DSW, every effort is made to ensure that their employment within the charity continues and that any appropriate training is arranged. It is the policy of the charity that the training, career development and promotion of disabled persons should be equitable.

The charity’s policy is to consult and discuss with employees, where appropriate through unions, staff councils and at meetings, matters likely to affect employees’ interests. Information of matters of concern to employees is given through information bulletins and reports which seek to achieve a common awareness on the part of all employees of the financial and economic factors affecting the group’s performance. This element will be critical as we go into a period of restructure and transition.

This year DSW have also conducted a wellbeing survey, which captured the thoughts, feelings and experiences of all colleagues. A report was then written, and action was taken to address suggestions and areas to strengthen within the organisation.

Remuneration policy for key management personnel

The trustees recognise that the charity will not achieve its ambitious goals unless it is possible to attract and retain key management personnel who have the experience, enthusiasm, and ability to lead by example and to contribute to the charity’s continuing success. Consequently, the ability to offer a compelling value proposition to staff is regarded as a critical success factor. This is as always limited by our income.

In common with other companies in the charitable sector, DSW’s value proposition to staff includes supportive teamwork, personal development, and significant job satisfaction from the social impact that the Charity is helping to generate. However, remuneration is also important, and for this element of the overall reward package, our policy is to set pay and benefits at levels that are competitive for the sector, and which recognise an individual’s abilities, responsibilities and experience. The remuneration of key management personnel is summarised in Note 12 of the financial statements. The Charity’s highest paid employee is the Chief Executive Officer.

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Induction and training of trustees

New trustees are provided with an induction as well as an information pack of policies and procedures relevant to the role and meet with the Chair and Chief Executive Officer to receive details of the decisionmaking process. Trustees are briefed on their legal obligations under charity and company law, the content of the Articles of Association and the Strategy. At the earliest opportunity after the appointment of a Trustee there is an opportunity to meet members of staff and all other trustees. Consistent opportunities are provided and encouraged for all trustees to attend appropriate external training events where these aids the undertaking of their role.

The Federation of Disability Sport Wales operates a Finance and Assurance Committee and a Governance Committee.

The Board of The Federation of Disability Sport Wales review at each of its meetings the company’s strategic risk register. The risk register will have been previously scrutinised at all meetings of the Finance and Assurance Committee and Governance Committee. The Finance and Assurance, and Governance committees have both met on four occasions during 2024/2025.

There were four board meetings in 2024/2025 (which were all held either virtually via Zoom or in hybrid format face-to-face with zoom) with an AGM due to take place in October 2025 (which will be held in person in Wrexham). There was good attendance from all trustees at board meetings.

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Governance Partners

The governance partners to The Federation of Disability Sport Wales are:

Landscape Partners

The key landscape partners to The Federation of Disability Sport Wales are:

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Reference and Administrative Details

Trustees: G Thomas (Chair) J Hendy (Resigned 31st March 2025) I M Stone A Sharma (Resigned 2nd October 2025) E A Johnson I Griffiths G Griffiths J Dunn D Jenkins R Price Charity Number: 1144663

Company Number: 05199508

Registered Office: Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, United Kingdom, CF11 9SW

Auditor: Azets Audit Services Ty Derw, Lime Tree Court, Cardiff Gate Business Park Cardiff, South Glamorgan, United Kingdom CF23 8AB Bank: Barclays Bank UK PLC Swansea Kingsway c/o Leicester LE87 2BB Senior Management Fiona Reid (Chief Executive Officer) Personnel: Tom Rogers (Governance and Partnership Manager) Gemma Cutter (finished Dec 2024) then Darren Carew (Head of Active Pathways) (started February 2025) Nathan Stephens (Head of Performance Development) Nia Jones (Projects Manager)

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Auditor

In accordance with the company’s articles, a resolution proposing that Azets Audit Services be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.

Disclosure of information to auditor

Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information.

The trustees’ report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mr G Thomas - Trustee

22nd October 2025 Dated:

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The Federation of Disability Sport Wales Limited Financial Statements

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

The trustees, who are also the directors of The Federation of Disability Sport Wales Limited for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

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Independent Auditor’s Report to the Trustees of The Federation of Disability Sport Wales Limited

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Federation of Disability Sport Wales Limited (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and the notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

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Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of trustees’ responsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.

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Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities . This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above and on the Financial Reporting Council’s website, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud.

We obtain and update our understanding of the entity, its activities, its control environment, and likely future developments, including in relation to the legal and regulatory framework applicable and how the entity is complying with that framework. Based on this understanding, we identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. This includes consideration of the risk of acts by the entity that were contrary to applicable laws and regulations, including fraud.

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, including fraud, we designed procedures which included:

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or re ~~gulaton is removed from the even~~ ts and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

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Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

AottPcilenis
Azets Audit Services Aott Pci lenis 24 October 2025
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor Ty Derw
Lime Tree Court
Cardiff Gate Business Park
Cardiff
South Glamorgan
United Kingdom
CF23 8AB

Azets Audit Services is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

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Statement of Financial Activities including Income and Expenditure Account for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

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The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

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Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025

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The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2025, although an audit has been carried out under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements under the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 22nd October 2025

Mr G Thomas - Trustee

Company registration no.: 05199508

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Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

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Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies

Charity information

The Federation of Disability Sport Wales Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, CF11 9SW, United Kingdom.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity’s governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)”. The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

The company has taken advantage of the exemption under section 402 of the Companies Act 2006 not to prepare consolidated accounts. The financial statements present information about the company as an individual entity and not about its group.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

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1.4 Incoming resources

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services and facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of the receipt.

Donated assets are valued at their market value when donated. These assets are then depreciated in line with the charity’s depreciation policy.

Income from government and other grants whether capital grants or revenue grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

Training and education income is recognised when the course takes place with any income received in advance being deferred.

Sponsorship income is recognised evenly throughout the year and any amounts spanning future financial periods being deferred.

Fundraising income is recognised in the period to which the income is generated.

Turnover is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts, VAT and other sales related taxes.

1.5 Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Costs of raising funds comprise the costs in relation to generating income such as fundraising activities.

Expenditure on charitable activities includes all costs relating to the furtherance of the charity’s objectives as stated in the trustees report.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories in the Statement of Financial Activities on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly while others are apportioned on an appropriate basis, as set out in the support costs note.

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Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Office equipment 15% reducing balance Wheelchairs 20% straight line Computer equipment 25% reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Fixed asset investments

A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the charity. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

1.8 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.9 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.10 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity’s balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

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Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Derecognition of financial assets

Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the charity transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.11 Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the charity has a legal or constructive present obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that the charity will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the reporting end date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the amount expected to be required to settle the obligation is recognised at present value. When a provision is measured at present value, the unwinding of the discount is recognised as a finance cost in net income/(expenditure) in the period in which it arises.

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1.12 Employee Benefits

The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets.

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.enefits.

1.13 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2. Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

3. Donations and legacies

Donated goods and services

Donated goods and services relate to services provided from Sport Wales.

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4. Charitable Activities

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5. Other trading activities

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6. Investments

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7. Raising Funds

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8. Charitable activities

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Yearly totals:

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8. Charitable activities (continued)

9. Grants payable

Grants payable include £25,080 to Gwynedd Council and £23,865 to Press Red on behalf of Central South Regional Sports Partnerships (2024: £30,000 to Gogledd Cymru Actif North Wales).

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10. Support Costs

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Support and governance costs are allocated on a pro-rata basis according to staff time spent on activities.

11. Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the current or prior year.

During the year expenses of £300 (2024: £415) were reimbursed to one trustee (2024: two) in respect of travel and subsistence.

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12. Employees

Key management personnel

The remuneration of the key management personnel was £244,972 (2024: £105,205). There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

13. Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

14. Tangible Fixed Assets

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15. Fixed Asset Investments

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16. Subsidiaries

These financial statements are separate charity financial statements for The Federation of Disability Sport Wales Limited. Consolidated accounts have not been prepared due to the trading company being dormant.

The company number of the subsidiary is 07102372.

Details of the charity’s subsidiaries at 31 March 2025 are as follows:

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17. Debtors

18. Creditors

Included within other creditors is £38,038 (2024: £96,601) which relates to grants payable to local authorities.

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19. Deferred income

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20. Retirement benefit schemes

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

The charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes was £29,710 (2024: £28,116). At the year end there was £2,266 (2024: £3,819) outstanding.

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21. Restricted funds

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Sport Wales Programmes

Sport Wales, being a main funding partner of the charity, provides funding for the delivery of some of the charity’s programmes, including insport (Club, NGB and Partnerships), Play Together, UK Disability Inclusion Training, Performance Pathway Hubs, and Performance Partnerships. Resource is also provided to the Local Authorities or Regional Partnerships to further support their Sport Wales investment for the inclusion of disabled people.

Get Out Get Active

Get Out Get Active (GOGA) is a programme that supports disabled and non-disabled people to enjoy being active together. Funded by Spirit of 2012, the programme focuses on getting some of the least active people in Wales moving more through fun and inclusive activities.

Donated wheelchairs

In December 2018 the charity was donated 10 wheelchairs with a market value of £30,000. These assets must be returned to the donor if they are no longer required by the charity. Depreciation is charged against this fund in line with the charity’s accounting policy.

Path 2 Paris

This is a specific fund provided in a Paralympic year to engage school-aged disabled and nondisabled children with the Paralympics and Olympics and the sports included in them. In Wales this was used specifically to resource regional Boccia competitions and up-skilling of teachers.

WG Parasport Festivals

Welsh Government Major Events awarded a grant to Disability Sport Wales to deliver a Para Sport Festival in Swansea annually for three years. This is delivered in partnership with National Governing Bodies of sport for Wales, Britain and the UK, Swansea Council, and Swansea University. The purpose of the event is to bring together community and performance sport to showcase para sport and Wales as a ‘go to nation’ for para sport events.

UK Sport Parasport Festival

UK Sport supported the delivery of the Para Sport Festival (Swansea) during 2022-2023, and 2023-2024 with a resource to employ a Para Sport Event Management Senior Officer role within DSW. The purpose of this role was to successively develop the range and depth of performance opportunity at the event each year, and to coordinate the delivery of the events in Swansea.

Anthony Hughes Fund

Anthony Hughes was the Performance Manager for Disability Sport Wales for over 20 years. He was a powerhouse in para sport and leaves a legacy in Welsh para sport which will always remain strong. He passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in December 2022. After his passing, Disability Sport Wales coordinated a restricted fund which people and organisations could donate to whilst the Welsh Sports Foundation was established. All monies received will be transferred to the Welsh Sports Foundation Anthony Huges Memorial Fund when its governance is in place. This will then become something that will support disabled people who need something extra to help them stay in and thrive within their sport. Something Anthony was passionate about.

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Taith programmes

Taith is a Welsh Government funding programme split into two parts:

Pathway 1 supports international exchange of learning through participants going to other countries and for other countries to come to Wales. This exchange of learning should share experiences, good practice and build friendships.

Pathway 2 supports educational innovation through Welsh-led international collaborative partnerships intended to specifically address a specific issue or sector priority in Wales.

Sector Development Fund

This is funding applied for through Welsh Government with the intention of developing resources to communicate the accessibility of facilities and accommodation, connect into training, and generally support event organisers in bringing para events for sport to Wales. The resource will also transfer to to other sectors.

22. Designated funds

The income funds of the charity include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes:

Fixed asset fund

Represents the unrestricted net book value of the charity’s fixed assets.

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23. Analysis of net assets between funds

24. Related party transactions

There were no other disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024: none).

25. Agency Agreements

In 2024 the charity Welsh Sports Association for People with Learning Disability was dissolved. The Articles of Association mandated that with Sport Wales’ permission any remaining financial resources should be transferred and protected by another organisation for the purpose of providing sporting opportunities for people with intellectual impairment or learning disability. The spending of this resource was to be restricted and directed by the Chair of the South Wales ALN School Network.

In the year ended 31 March 2025, the charity received £18,098 (2024: £Nil) from the dissolved charity and paid £Nil (2024: £Nil) in respect of permissable expenditure. At the balance sheet date cash funds totalling £18,098 (2024: £Nil) were held in respect of this arrangement.

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26. Cash generated from operations

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27. Analysis of changes in net funds

The charity had no debt during the year.

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