The 2026 Watersports Inclusion Games are set to return for another inspiring weekend on July 11th & 12th in Galway, and Irish Sailing is delighted to welcome participants and volunteers from across the country. This year’s event will be hosted through a fantastic collaboration between four Galway clubs — Galway Hooker Sailing Club, Galway Sea Scouts, Galway City Sailing Club and Galway Bay Sailing Club — all coming together to create an unforgettable experience on the water.
The Inclusion Games have become a highlight of the watersports calendar, celebrating accessibility, teamwork and the joy of being on the water. It promises to be another magical weekend for participants and volunteers alike, with opportunities for people of all abilities to experience sailing and other watersports in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Participant registration will open in early June, while volunteer sign-up is now open. Volunteers play a vital role in making the event possible, helping to create a safe, fun and inclusive atmosphere for everyone involved.
If you would like to be part of this special weekend, we encourage you to register as a volunteer using the link below and help make the 2026 Watersports Inclusion Games in Galway a truly memorable event.
The Watersports Inclusion Games is an award-winning, free, multi-watersport event welcoming people of all abilities and disabilities including physical, intellectual, sensory and learning differences and anyone who experiences barriers to mainstream sport. Open to all ages, participants, along with family and friends, can try an exciting range of activities including sailing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, powerboating, dragon boating, snorkelling, windsurfing and more. No experience is necessary, and all activities, equipment and support are provided.
Sailing, Canoeing, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Powerboating, Motorboating, Dragon-boating, Snorkelling and much much more!
Watersports Inclusion Games 2025 – A Celebration of Belonging on the Water
Irish Sailing was proud to welcome participants to Malahide Yacht Club for the 2025 Watersports Inclusion Games, and it really was a resounding success. Over two relaxed, fun-filled days, people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds came together for an unforgettable experience on the water. Whether completely new to watersports or returning to a familiar passion, everyone found a warm, supportive environment focused on trying something new, meeting great people, and feeling a true sense of belonging.
From the moment participants arrived, they were welcomed by enthusiastic volunteers and guided through every step of the day. With sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, high-speed RIB rides, snorkelling and more, activities were adapted to meet individual needs, supported by experienced instructors and safety teams.
A dedicated sensory area proved to be an important part of the event, giving participants a calm space to step away from the activity, unwind, and take a break from the noise when needed. This quiet zone ensured that everyone could enjoy the day at their own pace. The face-painting station was a runaway hit with queues of smiling sailors, paddlers, and volunteers proudly showing off their colourful designs throughout the weekend! There was no pressure and no competition, just the joy of being active outdoors, making connections, and discovering the freedom that watersports can offer. The Games once again proved that with the right opportunities, the water truly is for everyone.
Heartfelt Thanks to Our Incredible Volunteers
Feedback from both participants and volunteers at this year’s Games was overwhelmingly positive. The sense of welcome, belonging, and inclusion was felt at every stage of the event and that’s thanks to our dedicated volunteers. We simply could not run the Watersports Inclusion Games without them. Their energy, kindness, and commitment made the experience unforgettable for everyone involved. A huge thank you to every single person who gave up their time, shared their skills, and helped create such a magical atmosphere on and off the water. You were truly amazing.
EVENT PHOTO ALBUM