President Catherine Connolly officially opens 2026 Watersports Inclusion Games in Galway
President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly today (Saturday, 11 July) officially opened a gloriously sunny 2026 Watersports Inclusion Games at the Galway Sea Scouts' Den before she took to the water in a Galway Hooker.
Taking place over 11 and 12 July, the Games are a free national event celebrating inclusive watersports, giving people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to experience activities on the water.
First held in 2017, this year's event is centred in the Port of Galway, with activities based at Galway Sea Scouts' Den and Galway Hooker Sailing Club in the New Docks. Around 300 participants and 200 volunteers are expected across the weekend, with activities including sailing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, powerboat rides and a sensory area.
Speaking at the opening, President Connolly said:
"Tá fíor-áthas orm a bheith anseo ag Geata Ghasóga na Mara chun Cluichí Spórt Uisce do Chách 2026 a oscailt go hoifigiúil.
We are very fortunate to have this wonderful gift available to us so freely in Galway Bay.
A source of life and a force of nature, the water is a world unto itself. Expansive, deep and mysterious, the sea both draws us in and gives a sense of freedom. Its rhythms enable us to move in new and different ways; a sensory experience like no other. Engaging respectfully with the water allows us to connect with, and deepen our understanding of, the wonder of the natural world.
Tá súil agam go mbainfidh sibh ar fad sult agus tairbhe as na himeachtaí agus as an gcomhluadar i rith na deireadh seachtaine."
The President took some time following her speech to meet the participants of the Games before taking a trip on a Galway Hooker at the local Galway Hooker Sailing Club to enjoy the good weather as dolphins swan alongside.
Watersports Inclusion Games aim to make watersports more accessible to everyone by creating opportunities for people across the physical, sensory, intellectual and learning disability spectrums to participate in a wide range of activities.
The event is organised by Irish Sailing in partnership with Canoeing Ireland and Galway Sports Partnership, alongside Galway Sea Scouts, Galway Hooker Sailing Club, Galway City Sailing Club and Galway Bay Sailing Club. Activities are also delivered with the support of Sailing into Wellness, Diving Ireland and Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre, together with clubs and training centres from across the country that provide equipment, instructors, volunteers and on-the-water support.
The Games have become a key fixture in Ireland's summer watersports calendar and are part of the organisers' ongoing commitment to increasing participation in line with Sport Ireland's Policy on Participation in Sport by People with Disabilities. The event is supported through Sport Ireland funding.
This year's Games Ambassador is Mark Henderson, a leading advocate for inclusion in Irish watersports. A canoeist, Mark became the first wheelchair user to complete the 30km Liffey Descent in 2023. He is a PaddleAble Ambassador and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Director with Canoeing Ireland, where he works to increase accessibility and participation in paddle sports. Through his coaching, advocacy and involvement in events across the country, he continues to encourage more people of all abilities to get active on the water.
President Connolly was joined by the Mayor of Galway, Cllr Helen Ogbu, who welcomed participants to the city: "It is a great pleasure to welcome President Catherine Connolly and the Watersports Inclusion Games to Galway. We are proud to host an event that reflects the values of inclusion, participation and community that are so important to our city. By creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to experience watersports, the Games demonstrate how sport can bring people together, build confidence and enrich lives. I wish everyone taking part a wonderful weekend on the water."