Kare Adenegan
Sportsperson and Speaker
Sport
My work in disability advocacy has all stemmed from my experiences growing up in school as a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy and then venturing into the world of para-sport. I was inspired by the London 2012 Paralympic Games which was the turning point that made me realise that sport is for all. Prior to watching the games, I was largely excluded from P.E lessons in primary school. I began to participate in wheelchair racing soon after my coach returned from supporting the London 2012 Paralympic team. Three years later I made my senior GB debut at the age of fourteen at the 2015 World Championships and in 2016, competed for ParalympicsGB at the 2016 games.
At the games, I won a silver and two bronze medals in the T34 women’s races. This was truly a dream come true after believing for so long that elite sport wasn’t for people with disabilities. Other notable achievements include winning European gold in 2018, 2x Paralympic silver medals at the Tokyo 2020 games and Commonwealth silver at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. I have also won several World Championship medals. Alongside my sporting career, I also had to balance school life, exams and a university degree.
I am passionate about diversity and inclusion in sport and love to speak about these topics. As a Black, female Paralympian, I desire to see more diversity in the para-sport world which will reflect the beautifully diverse disabled community. Education is also really important to me and in the future I hope to be a part of reforms to make school sport and the History curriculum more inclusive.
When I started sport, I didn’t have many role models that looked like me. I don’t necessarily think you need to see it to achieve it, you can be the anomaly and change maker, but I believe that diverse role models are needed. I hope that my success inspires other people of all backgrounds and abilities to go for their dreams; academic, sporting and beyond, and know that they can live impactful, multifaceted lives.
“I feel so honoured to be included in the Disability Power List 2023. Disabled voices matter, it’s time to speak up and celebrate our uniqueness and influence.”
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Disability Power 100 2023 profile information has been self-submitted by the profile subject. Shaw Trust understands and respects that disability and impairment descriptors and language use varies from person to person. Shaw Trust assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or discrepancies in the content of this, or any other, profile page.
Image credits: Women’s Sports Trust Unlocked 2022; Job King
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