Sport Industry Group to Host Neurodiversity and Mental Wellbeing Event

The Sport Industry Group will host a breakfast event on March 12th, 2026, dedicated to celebrating neurodiversity within the workplace and fostering open conversations about mental wellbeing in the sport industry.

Focus on Lived Experiences

The event, taking place ahead of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, will center on the lived experiences of neurodiversity in sport, exploring both the challenges and opportunities that inclusive workplaces can create. It marks the Sport Industry Group’s first mental wellbeing event of 2026, demonstrating a continued commitment to mental health and wellbeing across the sector.

Featured Speakers

The event will feature insights from a compelling lineup of speakers:

• Claire Rafferty: An English pundit and retired professional footballer with over 100 appearances for Chelsea in the FA Women’s Super League, Rafferty has openly discussed her ADHD diagnosis and its impact on her personal and professional life.
• Connie Hayes: A British road cyclist competing at an elite level, Hayes is a vocal advocate for improved mental wellbeing support in sport. Diagnosed with autism in her twenties, she shares her experiences navigating high-performance sport and challenging stereotypes.
• Katie Gleeson: A GB Shooting athlete specializing in 50m 3-Position Rifle and 10m Air Rifle, Gleeson has represented Great Britain in over 30 major competitions. Following her autism diagnosis in 2025, she has begun speaking openly about neurodivergence in elite female sport and the connection between neurodiversity, success, and burnout.

Event Details and Registration

The breakfast event is open to anyone working in the sport industry interested in mental wellbeing and neurodiversity. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register by emailing [email protected].

About Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Neurodiversity Celebration Week, founded in 2018, is a worldwide initiative aimed at transforming how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported. The week challenges stereotypes and promotes understanding, acceptance, and inclusion in schools and workplaces. In 2026, the week will include opportunities for members of the neurodiversity community to host webinars and for organizations to share best practices for creating more inclusive environments.