Sport Industry Group Hosts Neurodiversity Event

Speakers share personal stories and advocate for inclusive workplaces in the sport industry

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

The Sport Industry Group is hosting a mental wellbeing event on March 12th to celebrate neurodiversity in the workplace. The event features speakers like former Chelsea and England footballer Claire Rafferty, elite road cyclist Connie Hayes, and GB Shooting athlete Katie Gleeson, who will share their personal experiences as neurodivergent athletes. The event aims to dismantle stigmas and foster more inclusive environments in the sport industry.

Why it matters

Recognizing and supporting neurodiversity can unlock untapped potential, foster innovation, and create more inclusive and high-performing teams in the sport industry. This event signals a shift towards actionable change, moving beyond just awareness to implementing systemic improvements.

The details

The event is taking place just before Neurodiversity Celebration Week, which is gaining momentum globally. The speakers will demonstrate that neurodiversity is not a barrier to success, but can be a source of strength. The sport industry is beginning to recognize the benefits of neurodiversity, as different cognitive styles can lead to innovative strategies, improved problem-solving, and enhanced team dynamics.

  • The Sport Industry Group's mental wellbeing event is scheduled for March 12, 2026.
  • Neurodiversity Celebration Week is taking place in 2026.

The players

Claire Rafferty

A former Chelsea and England footballer who openly discusses her ADHD diagnosis and its impact on her career.

Connie Hayes

An elite road cyclist who advocates for mental wellbeing while navigating life as an autistic athlete.

Katie Gleeson

A GB Shooting athlete who shares her experience with autism and burnout at the highest levels of competition.

Sport Industry Group

An organization that is hosting the upcoming mental wellbeing event focused on celebrating neurodiversity in the workplace.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The event's focus on actionable change and the implementation of systemic improvements in the sport industry will be a key next step in creating more inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals.

The takeaway

The sport industry is recognizing the benefits of embracing neurodiversity, as different cognitive styles can lead to innovative strategies, improved problem-solving, and enhanced team dynamics. This event signals a shift towards creating truly inclusive environments that leverage the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals.