British Paralympic Association pays tribute to Geoff Smedley

The British Paralympic Association has expressed its sadness to hear the passing of Sports Union for Athletes with Down’s Syndrome (SUDS) President Geoff Smedley.

A leading pioneer within Para sports, Smedley became a strong advocate and pioneer for the inclusion of people with learning disabilities into the Paralympic Games.

In a career spanning over 50 years, Smedley worked alongside a number of national governing bodies of sport to help develop inclusive opportunities including adapted canoeing and kayaking.

He later went on to serve as an Executive Board member of the European Paralympic Committee and President of the Down Syndrome International Swimming Organisation.