Ade Adepitan

Former Wheelchair Basketball Bronze Paralympic Medallist, BBC & Channel 4 TV Presenter, Named on the Powerlist of the 100 Most Influential Black British People & Author of ‘Cyborg Cat’

Ade Adepitan’s Biography:

Ade Adepitan is one of Britain’s most inspiring figures, celebrated as a Paralympic medallist, television presenter, and passionate disability rights advocate. Having contracted polio as a child, Ade lost the use of his left leg, yet went on to defy all expectations, becoming one of the nation’s most recognisable and respected sporting heroes and broadcasters. His resilience, charisma, and drive to change perceptions of disability have made him a leading voice in sport, media, and advocacy.

Ade first made his mark as a professional wheelchair basketball player, representing Great Britain on the world stage. He achieved international acclaim as part of the team that won bronze at the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games, alongside multiple medals at European and World Championships. His success on the court established him as a trailblazer for athletes with disabilities and paved the way for a celebrated career in television.

Transitioning from elite sport to broadcasting, Ade became a regular presenter for the BBC and Channel 4, fronting major events such as the Paralympic Games, the Invictus Games, and programmes including Africa with Ade Adepitan, Climate Change: Ade on the Frontline, and The World’s Busiest Cities. His powerful storytelling and ability to connect with audiences have seen him explore global issues from environmental change to racial inequality.

Beyond television, Ade has authored several children’s books, including the Cyborg Cat series, encouraging young readers to embrace diversity and resilience. As a patron of Go Kids Go and an ambassador for Right To Play, he continues to champion inclusivity and opportunity. Recognised with an MBE and multiple honorary doctorates, Ade remains a tireless advocate for equality, representation, and positive change.

Why Hire Ade Adepitan?

Ade Adepitan is an inspiring and highly sought-after motivational speaker who embodies resilience, determination, and the power of positive change. As one of the UK’s most prominent advocates for diversity and inclusion, he uses his platform to motivate audiences to break barriers and challenge perceptions around disability and representation. Ade’s exceptional communication skills, honed through years as a BBC and Channel 4 presenter, make him a captivating storyteller who connects with audiences of all backgrounds.

Awarded an MBE for services to disability sport and named on the Powerlist of the 100 Most Influential Black British People, Ade brings authenticity and authority to every engagement. His speeches combine humour, humility, and powerful life lessons from both his sporting and broadcasting careers, leaving audiences feeling uplifted, empowered, and ready to tackle challenges with renewed purpose.

Ade Adepitan’s Career Highlights:

Below showcases Ade Adepitan’s milestones that influenced his inspirational career throughout sports and television:

• 2025 – Featured in a brand-campaign for Weetabix, where he joined other sporting legends to inspire the over-45s audience and share personal stories of success.
• 2024 – Co-hosted Channel 4’s coverage of the Paris Paralympic Games, including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
• 2023 – Presented Ade: My Week in the Whitest Place on Earth on Channel 4, exploring race and identity in modern society.
• 2021 – Presented Climate Change: Ade on the Frontline for the BBC, travelling globally to report on the human impact of climate change.
• 2020 – Named on the Powerlist of the 100 Most Influential Black British People.
• 2019 – Fronted the BBC documentary series Africa with Ade Adepitan, highlighting stories of innovation and resilience across the continent.
• 2016 – Co-presented Channel 4’s coverage of the Rio Paralympic Games and Children in Need.
• 2014 – Presented Channel 4’s Winter Paralympic Games coverage.
• 2005 – Appointed MBE for Services to Disability Sport and won gold at the Paralympic World Cup.
• 2004 – Won bronze in wheelchair basketball at the Athens Paralympic Games for Great Britain.
• 2003 – Won bronze at the European Wheelchair Basketball Championship.