Ade Adepitan MBE

After contracting polio as a baby in Nigeria, Ade moved to the UK with his family and faced the many challenges of growing up with a disability. But a chance encounter with two physiotherapists in a supermarket led him to discover wheelchair basketball – and changed the course of his life. Fuelled by determination and talent, Ade went on to represent Great Britain at multiple major championships, winning bronze at the Athens 2004 Paralympics and gold at the 2005 Paralympic World Cup.

Off the court, Ade has built an extraordinary media career. He’s presented a diverse range of programmes across the BBC and Channel 4 – from The Travel Show and Africa with Ade Adepitan, to hard-hitting documentaries for Unreported World, and pioneering coverage of the Paralympic Games. In Beyond Boundaries, Ade completed an awe-inspiring expedition across Nicaragua, including climbing a 5,000ft volcano without his wheelchair.

A regular face on British television, Ade is as comfortable reporting from climate frontlines as he is taking part in panel shows or children’s TV. He is passionate about inclusion, equality and opportunity, and uses his platform to champion social issues including disability rights and representation.

Ade’s story is one of resilience, optimism and seeing possibility where others might see limitation. With warmth, energy and humour, he shares insights on overcoming obstacles, finding purpose, and why barriers are made to be broken.

Named on the Powerlist of the 100 Most Influential Black British People and an MBE recipient, Ade continues to inspire new generations through his bestselling Cyborg Cat children’s book series.