Hall of Fame recognition for Coleraine man Trevor who was founder of Disability Pool in NI
A Causeway Coast man has become the first ever recipient of the EBA Learning Disabilities Hall of Fame award.
Trevor Harte received the award at the annual Northern Ireland Disability Pool Festival which took place in Coleraine recently.
During what is Trevor’s final Festival of Pool, tributes were paid to him as one of its founding members for: “his remarkable 32 years of dedication, commitment and passion for promoting disability pool throughout Northern Ireland and beyond.”
NI Disability Pool said: “But to truly appreciate just how special this recognition was, we need to turn back the clock to 1993.
"It was in 1993 that Trevor Harte, alongside Robert Black, introduced pool for players with a learning disability in Northern Ireland. Back then, the organisation was known as NI Special Pool, and its very first tournament was held on the Causeway Coast in Portrush, welcoming just 32 invited players.
"Who could ever have imagined that those humble beginnings would grow into the incredible Festival we know and love today?”
In 2026, the Festival welcomed nearly 200 players, travelling from all corners of Northern Ireland to participate.
“But Trevor's vision didn't stop at Northern Ireland's shores.He was also one of the driving forces behind developing and promoting learning disability pool throughout the UK and further afield.
"Through his determination, enthusiasm and belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in sport, learning disability pool has grown internationally, with players from Wales, Scotland, England, Southern Ireland and Gibraltar now enjoying opportunities to compete and represent their countries.
"What started with 32 players in Portrush has grown into something truly extraordinary, and Trevor and his wonderful wife Sharon have been at the heart of that journey,” said NI Disability Pool.
EBA Learning Disabilities Chairperson, Stephen Partridge presented Trevor with the first ever Hall of Fame status certificate during the Opening Ceremony of the Festival.
Stephen Partridge said: “Your unwavering commitment has inspired others and, as our first ever Hall of Fame inductee, you have a special place in our history. You are rightfully recognised as a distinguished legend.
“Your outstanding contribution has helped shape learning disability pool and will for many more years to come and so it’s with enormous gratitude and pride we celebrate not only your achievements but your commitment and encouragement.
“Your journey is testament to your dedication and it is only fitting that you should have the honour of becoming very first Hall of Fame inductee and a special place in our history,” he added.
NI Disability Pool said on its Facebook page: “Your greatest achievement is the difference you have made in people's lives. From those first 32 players in Portrush to the wonderful pool family we have today, your legacy will continue for generations to come.
"On behalf of everyone involved in NI Disability Pool, thank you, Trevor, for everything you have done and continue to do.
"You have helped build something truly special, and we are all incredibly proud to have been part of this historic occasion.”