Malahide Estuary came alive this weekend, 5 & 6 July, as the seventh Watersports Inclusion Games took place at Malahide Yacht Club, Co. Dublin. Nearly 650 participants with physical, sensory, intellectual, and learning disabilities took to the water for a packed weekend of activity, supported by hundreds of volunteers and facilitators.
The Games were officially opened on Saturday morning by the Lord Mayor of Fingal, Tom O’Leary, joined by Games Ambassadors Zoe Mulvey and Louis Keogh.
Participants had access to a wide range of sports, including sailing, windsurfing, paddling, canoeing, paddleboarding, diving, powerboating and beach volleyball. Each session was adapted to individual needs, making every experience unique.
Organised by Irish Sailing, the Watersports Inclusion Games bring together partners across the sector to ensure access for people who experience physical, sensory, intellectual or learning challenges, or face other barriers to participation.
Local parent Denise Dockery said, “We had such an amazing time. It was so well organised, and the volunteers were incredible with all the kids and parents. I haven’t smiled so much in a long time. The Games gave us a chance to try water activities with our son that we never thought possible.”
Participants ranged in age from young children to older adults, with many attending for the first time, while others returned after previous years.
Margaret Fay, Commodore of Malahide Yacht Club commented, “It was a privilege to host the Games. A huge thanks must go to our volunteers, who made it all happen. It was such a pleasure to see the joy on people’s faces as they got on the water, it makes it all worthwhile.”
The Games aim to break down barriers to participation and show that water sports are open to all, regardless of ability, background or circumstance. The social, health and wellness benefits associated with sailing and all watersports are well documented. These include improved muscle strength and endurance, improved cardiovascular fitness and increased agility, enhanced spatial awareness, greater mental wellness through the balancing of serotonin levels and the lowering of stress levels, improved concentration and the forging of positive relationships.
Oonagh Healy, of Irish Sailing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, said, “It’s an honour to carry the Watersports Inclusion Games into its seventh year. Malahide Yacht Club and all our partners helped create a powerful celebration of equality and community. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible – especially the volunteers and participants who brought such energy to the weekend.”
