Ade Adepitan

Polio survivor turned medal-winning Paralympian, Ade Adepitan has adapted to his circumstance and strived for success despite the adversity he has faced. A role model of resilience, Ade’s remarkable life story inspires audiences of his speaking engagements to pursue their dreams and go beyond the limits set out for them. He has used his platform to shine a light on similar struggles as his, throughout the world and has become the poster sports stay of the Paralympics.

Rising to acclaim for his sporting success, Ade has played wheelchair basketball for Milton Keynes Aces since his youth and has proven himself an integral member of the team. The highlight of Ade’s dedicated sporting career came in 2004 at the Athens Olympic Games, where he not only won a prestigious Gold medal but brought much needed focus to disability sports. A year later he also supported the winning efforts at the Paralympic World Cup, a testament to his talents on the court. Since achieving such impressive results, Ade has been sought after as a presenter for the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Paralympics coverage in addition to hosting four series of That Paralympic Show.

Contracting polio as a toddler left Ade without the use of his left leg, resulting in him permanently using a wheelchair. Having been born in Nigeria, Ade’s family immigrated to the UK when he was three for a better quality of life, and greater support for Ade’s disability. Despite the challenges he faced, Ade dreamed of becoming a professional athlete, an ambition he has achieved through determination and mental resilience. He has since presented several documentaries on disability and sporting scandals.

Awarded an MBE for his services to disability sports, Ade has also been named in the Powerlist of the 100 Most Influential Black British People, thanks to the voice he is giving to diversity. Championing inclusion in every industry Ade works with charities and corporate clients to implement strategies that support progressive change.

In November 2023 we sat down virtually with Ade Adepitan and discussed his views on why diversity and inclusion are important, and how the UK can improve accessibility. Watch our Exclusive Interview with Ade Adepitan.