Louth competitors take part in Ireland’s first ever Fitness Inclusion Games

Pictured above: Colin McGuirk, Hannah Cotter, Zaine Muhammad, Annmarie McDonagh, Rueben, Fohad Olawale,Abbie Lynch, Aaron Casey, Amy Hoey, Shane Malerey, Holly Cooney, Cara Farrell

Gym-goers from across Louth were among over 100 people with disabilities competing at Ireland’s first ever Fitness Inclusion Games last week. Inspired by CrossFit and Hyrox but adapted for people with disabilities, the competition took place at Sport Ireland’s National Indoor Arena in Dublin last Friday.

Irish Wheelchair Association members from Dundalk and Ardee have been training in the gym for the past number of months to compete at the games and travelled to Dublin to take part. The event was organised through IWA’s Fitness Inclusion Project, which encourages and supports people with disabilities and mobility issues to begin gym-based exercise programmes to increase fitness and improve coordination.

John Campbell from Ardee was very excited to take part in Ireland’s first ever Fitness Inclusion Games. He said:  I’m just loving the energy; there is a fantastic buzz. Since becoming involved I have noted that my upper strength has really improved, which makes such a difference. It is great to be part of the group.”

Aaron Casey from Dundalk was buzzing to be involved. “It’s just so good, to be here and taking part.  I am really feeling the benefits of being part of the Fitness Inclusion Project. I really do love it. It is helping me to be fitter, stronger and more flexible, it keeps me going.”

The augural Fitness Inclusion Games are the inclusive equivalent to the popular CrossFit and Hyrox gym competitions which have sprung up globally for gym users around the world. 

IWA’s Fitness Inclusion Project was initiated following a 100km fundraising challenge in 2022 by IWA Area Manager Declan Hamilton, who is also a lifelong fitness enthusiast. The response from IWA members during that event laid the foundation for the pilot programme in Drogheda.

“Many of the young adults who came to support me had never been inside a gym before,” said Declan. “They absolutely loved it. That’s when I knew we had something special.”

Declan approached a local CrossFit gym in Louth, which embraced the opportunity to learn and adapt workouts for people with disabilities—and the Fitness Inclusion Project was born. 

From just eight participants in the original pilot, the programme now includes members of all ages in locations such as Longford, Galway, Dublin and the greater Northeast area. Even IWA staff have joined in, enjoying the physical and mental health benefits.

Simon Cusack from Ardee IWA, one of the more mature participants who trains in Dundalk, says that being involved has made a huge impact on his life and his outlook.  “I really look forward to it, it gets me out of the house.  I am 15 years in a wheelchair now.  I thought my life was all over, but I am still here to tell the story.  It was a massive change, but we got there.”

The Fitness Inclusion Programme he says, “gives me back my self-esteem. It’s great, it gets me out of the house. It keeps me fit and is so positive for mental health, for the thinking just you know that life is not over, that life is just starting for me.  I love doing the weights. The staff are lovely.

"I would love to see it being rolled out all over the country.  I would say to people to take it on; you will see the benefits.  I am feeling great, get out there and do it, don’t lie in bed.”