Free exhibition uncovering Nottinghamshire’s rich disability sport heritage opens at Nottingham Central Library

A new free exhibition exploring the rich history of disability sport in Nottinghamshire has opened at Nottingham Central Library, giving local people the chance to discover the region’s remarkable contribution to cerebral palsy sport and the Paralympic Movement.

Celebrating Disability Sport in Nottinghamshire, created by the National Paralympic Heritage Trust (NPHT) in collaboration with CP Sport, runs until 9 November 2026 on the first floor of Nottingham Central Library. Entry is free and no booking is required.

The exhibition brings to life the stories of athletes, places and pioneers who have shaped disability sport in the region, with interactive displays, touchable objects and personal stories of local Paralympic athletes including Tully Kearney OBE, Daniel West and Richard Whitehead MBE. Nottingham has a particularly close connection to cerebral palsy sport, including hosting the CP World Games at Harvey Hadden Stadium, and the exhibition sheds light on this event alongside other key moments in CP Sport’s history.

Much of this rich history has been uncovered by working with the local people who have lived it – athletes, coaches, volunteers and advocates who have been at the heart of the movement for decades. Among them is Doug Williamson, who shared his experiences both as a volunteer coach with the Nottingham and District Sports Club for the Disabled and as an educator behind several newly adapted sports. Visitors can also explore the history of sports such as boccia, frame running, polybat and table cricket – some of which were born in the city itself.

 

“I love seeing this in my home city and urge everyone who can to visit the exhibition.”

Local Paralympian, and Lord Lieutenant, Tim Reddish CBE DL

 

“We are really glad to be able to share this rich history with the people of Nottingham, a city which has played a significant part in the development of cerebral palsy sport, and of so many Paralympic athletes.”

Vicky Hope-Walker, CEO, National Paralympic Heritage Trust

 

The NPHT is keen to build on these stories and hear from more people in Nottinghamshire with a connection to cerebral palsy sport, the Paralympics and disability sport. If you have a personal story to share, the trust would love to hear it. You can do so at the exhibition itself, or by getting in touch by email.

Exhibition Details

Dates: Open until 9 November 2026

Admission: Free

Venue: Nottingham Central Library, First Floor, 1 Carrington Street, Nottingham, NG1 7FH

Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 9am – 6pm (7pm on Wed) | Sat: 10am – 4pm | Sun: Closed

Accessibility: There is step free access to the first-floor exhibition space. Visitors can pick up a Widgit symbol guide, handle objects on display, scan a QR code for audio descriptions, or use the Braille guide available on each wall of the display.

Funders: The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Esmée Fairbairn Communities and Collections Fund delivered by the Museums Association. The Global Virtual Museum console was funded by Mitsubishi Corporation London Branch and the Wolfson Foundation.

More information at: https://www.paralympicheritage.org.uk/Event/celebrating-disability-sport-in-nottinghamshire