Offaly Competitors at National Fitness Inclusion Games

Members from IWA Offaly joined more than 160 people with physical disabilities from across Ireland for the Fitness Inclusion Games, Ireland’s only inclusive hyrox-inspired event.

Hosted by Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena, the Games feature a series of high-energy, adapted team challenges testing strength and endurance inspired by formats such as CrossFit and Hyrox but designed to be fully inclusive.

Now in its second year, the event highlights the ongoing challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing gyms, training and sport spaces but also showcases the possibilities when barriers are removed.

Local man Brendan Brophy an IWA member from IWA's Ballinagar centre who competed at the event said: "It certainly brought back the years of my sport encounter with IWA Sports. It certainly exceeded my expectations - it was a fun fill day for one and all. The fun and craic was complemented by the music - the music was a great adrenalin for the competitors. Dance moves and grooves were in abundance- it certainly turned back the pages of yesterday and the many discos that were on after a IWA games I left the sports centre enthused by the day wishing that I put in a little bit more in my endeavours in my sports for the disabled many years ago. What a great day it was with IWA in Blanchardstown sports center."

Minister of State for Disability, Emer Higgins, who opened the Games, said: “the Fitness Inclusion Games are a powerful example of what can be achieved when inclusion is prioritised in sport and physical activity. Events like this showcase talent, determination and community spirit of the athletes involved and their support network of IWA staff and gym coaches. It highlights the importance of continuing to think inclusion first and to strive as a society for accessible opportunities so that everyone can participate fully in active life.”

The Games are part of IWA’s broader Fitness Inclusion Project, which has grown from a small pilot in Drogheda in 2022 into a national initiative, with programmes now running in locations including Navan, Tipperary, Galway and across Dublin.

Declan Hamilton of IWA said: “What we’re seeing today is the result of a movement that is growing across the country. These athletes are not just taking part, they are pushing boundaries, building confidence and showing what’s possible when barriers are removed.

The demand for inclusive fitness is there, and we hope to grow the programme with support. IWA wants to ensure people with disabilities can participate fully in their communities.”

For more information check out www.iwa.ie/the-fitness-inclusion