Published on: 30th September 2026
As part of European Sport Week, we are shining a spotlight on our dedicated Physical Activity and Sports Department and the incredible work they do every day to make sport accessible, inclusive, and empowering across Horizons.
Who We Are
We are a team of 12 passionate team members comprised of four lifeguards, six sports and activity co-ordinators, an educator and a manager who aim to be completely person-centred. Our priority is to meet each person exactly where they are and support them with what they want to achieve. Whether that means joining a local club or simply enjoying a sport they love, it is entirely about the individual’s choice and personal goals. Our work is firmly rooted in both local and international frameworks. We are guided by national policy and standards—including HSE New Directions, HIQA standards, and the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act—as well as international standards under Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), ensuring equal access to cultural life, recreation, leisure, and sport.
How We Work: Our Core Pathways
We deliver a structured approach across our main pillars of service:
- Group-Based Programmes: Delivering a wide variety of seasonal sports, fitness, and aquatic sessions at specific times throughout the year across various locations.
- 1-to-1 Support: Providing tailored physical programmes or recommendations through the CASS system
- Community 1-to-1 Facilitation: Supporting individuals as they bridge the gap from our internal services into independent journeys.
- Education Through Sport: Supporting the formal education and development of individuals at the BTC and Doras Training Services through specialised Sport QQI modules.
- Outdoor Adventure & Fan Experiences: Coordinating unforgettable outdoor day and overnight trips, as well as accessing live sporting events locally and nationally.
Inclusion Through Collaboration
Internally: We collaborate across all areas of Horizons to upskill and work alongside staff. This ensures that when an individual shares a passion for a sport or activity, their support team is fully equipped to keep that activity going.
Externally: We partner with local and national organisations—including Cork Sports Partnership, Special Olympics and local clubs—to embed the people we support directly into their communities.
A massive thank you to the fantastic Physical Activity and Sports team for their unwavering energy, and to all the Horizons staff who help us turn sporting ambitions into a reality. Keep moving and #BeActive!
Jonathan Bruton – Department Manager, Sports and Physical Activity, Horizons