Irish Sailing was delighted to welcome participants, families, friends and volunteers to Galway for the 2026 Watersports Inclusion Games, and what a truly memorable weekend it was. Set against the stunning backdrop of Galway Bay, two days of sunshine, laughter, adventure and inclusion combined to create another magical celebration of accessible watersports.
This year's Games were made even more special by the presence of the President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, who officially opened the event on Saturday morning. Participants had the wonderful opportunity to meet and chat with the President as they prepared to head out on the water.
Across two venues, participants enjoyed sailing, powerboating, canoeing, snorkelling and beach activities, with a range of accessible equipment and facilities helping everyone experience the water in their own way. This year's event was officially opened by President of Ireland Catherine Connolly, making an already special weekend even more memorable.
As always, the real magic of the Watersports Inclusion Games came from the people. Participants embraced every opportunity, volunteers gave their time and energy so generously, and clubs and instructors worked together to create a welcoming environment where everyone could enjoy the water in their own way. The smiles, laughter and confidence on display across the weekend were a powerful reminder that watersports truly can be for everyone.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Galway and helped make the 2026 Watersports Inclusion Games such a special event. The feedback from participants, families and volunteers has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are already looking forward to welcoming everyone back for the 2027 Games. Details of next year's venue and dates will be announced as soon as they are confirmed.
Thank you to our accomodation partner Queen Street Place.
Sailing, Canoeing, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Powerboating, Motorboating, 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