Making Waves for Inclusion:
Watersports Inclusion Games 2026 Launches in Galway
The 2026 Watersports Inclusion Games were launched today at Galway Hooker Sailing Club by Councillor Helen Obgu, member of Galway City Council and Games Ambassador Mark Henderson. The event, set to take place in Galway on 11th and 12th July 2026, is a free event celebrating watersports for people of all abilities from the physical, sensory, intellectual and learning spectrums, and of all ages and demographics.
First run in 2017, this year’s event will take place in the Port of Galway with bases at the Galway Sea Scouts Den and the Galway Hooker Sailing Club located the New Docks. There will be sailing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, fast boat rides and a sensory area. 400 participants and 300 volunteers are expected to take part across the weekend.
The Watersports Inclusion Games is a national event which aims to make watersports a more inclusive and accessible place for all. It is organised by Irish Sailing in association with Canoeing Ireland and Galway Local Sports Partnership along with Galway Sea Scouts, Galway Hooker Sailing Club, Galway City Sailing Club and Galway Bay Sailing Club. The event is supported with activities by Sailing into Wellness, Diving Ireland and Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre. Offering further support are numerous local and national organisations including Safe Haven Sailing and clubs and training centres from around the country who will support the event with resources, volunteers, instructors and facilitators.
The games, a regular landmark occasion kicking off the summer watersports calendar, are the product of ongoing inclusion training and awareness drives being activated by the organising bodies in line with Sport Ireland’s Policy on Participation in Sport by People with Disabilities and are enabled by grant funding from Sport Ireland.
Irish Sailing are also delighted to welcome Mezzino as accommodation partner for the Games. Mezzino Student Living is one of the leading providers of purpose built student accommodation across Ireland and the UK and are offering discounted rates for those attending the Watersports Inclusion Games.
Speaking at the launch, Ciaran Oliver, Commodore of the Galway Hooker Sailing Club said,
“The Inclusion Games has become a landmark event in the watersports calendar, celebrating participation, accessibility and inclusion on the water. We are delighted to welcome competitors, clubs and organisations from across the country to Galway for this year’s event. By showcasing inclusive watersports opportunities and encouraging more providers to adopt an accessible approach, we hope to inspire greater participation and ensure more people can enjoy the benefits of being on the water. We are looking forward to delivering a safe, enjoyable and memorable weekend for everyone involved.”
This year’s Ambassador for the Games is Mark Henderson. Mark is a frequent attendee at the Games and a leading advocate for inclusion in Irish watersports. Mark is a canoeist and made history as the first wheelchair user to complete the iconic Liffey Descent, paddling the 30km course in 2023. He is a PaddleAble Ambassador with Canoeing Ireland and serves as the organisation's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Director, helping to drive greater accessibility and participation in paddle sports across Ireland. Through his involvement in events, coaching and advocacy, Mark continues to inspire people of all abilities to get active on the water.
Galway City East Councillor Helen Obgu who was on hand to help launch the Games said,
“It is a pleasure to welcome the Watersports Inclusion Games to Galway. This event reflects the values of inclusion, participation and community that are so important to our city. By creating opportunities for people of all abilities to experience watersports, the Games demonstrate how sport can bring people together and enrich lives. We look forward to welcoming participants and their families from across the country for what promises to be a memorable weekend
The Games are due to take place on the weekend of the 11 – 12 July. For further details and to register for the games click HERE