On Friday 9th January, Peter Harrison Centre Research Associate Dr Adam Dickinson-Shill and Doctoral Researcher Dan Angus attended the Hertfordshire Primary School’s Sport and PE Conference 2026, which aimed to support schools in developing more inclusive approaches to PE and school sport in response to increasing levels of need.
Titled “Transformative Power of PE”, the conference programme was aligned with the No Limits 2026 campaign, led by Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership in association with Herts Disability Sport Foundation, Activity Alliance and Inclusion 2028. The campaign aims to break down barriers and create lasting change in how disabled people of all ages access and experience sport and physical activity across Hertfordshire.
The event was hosted by Dan Angus alongside Ella Beaumont, a former GB wheelchair basketball player and current fitness professional. The opening keynote was delivered by David Clarke OBE, PLY, Chief Executive Officer of ParalympicsGB, who delivered a powerful address on the Equal Play campaign and its role in driving inclusion across sport and education.
This was followed by a keynote presentation from Dr Adam Dickinson-Shill, who drew upon his doctoral research to explore the lived experiences of disabled children in PE and school sport. The presentation highlighted the transformative potential of genuinely inclusive practice and the role that PE and sport can play in developing confidence, belonging, and long-term engagement.
Reflecting on the keynote, Dr Dickinson-Shill said:
“Being invited to deliver the keynote was especially meaningful to me. Although I acquired my disability after leaving school, sport played a fundamental role in shaping my journey. Wheelchair basketball helped me accept my new identity and provided confidence, community, and purpose. That experience ultimately opened pathways into higher education and academia. This is why inclusion in PE and school sport matters so deeply to me, every young person deserves the chance to participate meaningfully and discover their own potential.”
The keynote sessions were followed by a panel discussion chaired by Dan Angus and Ella Beaumont, featuring contributions from a disabled PE teacher, a Headteacher, a SENDCO, and a parent of a disabled young person. The discussion provided practical insight and guidance on embedding inclusive approaches within primary school PE provision.
Overall, the conference provided a valuable platform for sharing research, lived experience and practical strategies. Delegates were encouraged to reflect on their own practice and to continue working towards providing inclusive PE and school sport environments that support all children.