The University of Nottingham and Midlands construction firm G F Tomlinson are celebrating the first year of a landmark partnership that is accelerating Para and inclusive sport across the institution, delivering record engagement and advances in inclusive design.

Launched in March last year, the collaboration has seen participation by disabled students rise to unprecedented levels. In 2024/25 to date, 4,625 disabled students have taken part in University of Nottingham sport programmes spanning clubs, gym sessions and classes – the highest figure on record – with activity on course to set new year-end highs.

Disability Sport Memberships have climbed 47% year on year to 437 in 2024/25. Backed by the partnership, the university has expanded its Disability Membership Scheme to offer 50% off for disabled users, including those from the local community. Across its three sports centres, 550 supported 1:1 fitness sessions have been delivered, alongside quiet gym hours and 331 low-sensory fitness and wellbeing classes.

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University research underscores the positive impact on student experience: among disabled students who engaged in sport, 86% reported feeling part of the university community and 92% said they felt they belonged at the university.

The partnership has also fuelled competitive success. The UoN Wheelchair Basketball Team captured its first BUCS National Championship title at BUCS Big Wednesday 2025. The university hosted its inaugural Para Sport Prospect Day, recruiting a new cohort for 2025/26 that includes world-ranked Para-badminton players, GB pathway wheelchair basketball athletes and emerging Para tennis talent.

Early outcomes include the creation of specialist roles – a Para Sport Development post and a dedicated Strength & Conditioning position for Para-athletes – reinforcing the commitment to high-performance, inclusive sport. Through consultations, training and experiential events with UoN Para-athletes, G F Tomlinson has further strengthened its standing as a leader in inclusive construction. New student pathways, such as year-in-industry placements and degree apprenticeships, are also in development.

Looking ahead, the partnership will underpin the launch of the University of Nottingham’s Para Vision for Sport, with the ambition to become the leading Russell Group university for Para sport. Priorities include growing Para sport pathways, broadening inclusive programming, and enhancing branding and visibility across the David Ross Sports Village and the wheelchair basketball first team.

Andy Sewards, Chairman of G F Tomlinson, said: "Working with the University of Nottingham so far has been extraordinary. The Para-athletes we’ve met, and the progress already achieved is truly inspiring. We're proud to be playing a role in building a more inclusive campus environment, supporting the university community to thrive and seeing Nottingham's athletes reach new heights."