Laois Sports Partnership marked its 25th anniversary in style with the launch of the inaugural Laois Inclusion Games, a three-day celebration of inclusive sport which took place from August 14-16.
The event brought athletes, families, clubs, coaches and volunteers together across a wide range of sporting activities, highlighting the opportunities available to people of all abilities throughout Laois.
The Games were delivered through the VIP Hub, Ireland’s first dedicated community sports hub for athletes with a visual impairment or physical disability, in partnership with Laois Sports Partnership and a number of sporting and community organisations.
Over the course of the weekend, participants had the opportunity to get involved in sports including boccia, para swimming, para athletics, wheelchair basketball, para table tennis, para cycling, VI rugby, VI kayaking, blind football, tennis and golf.
The Games were supported by funding from People First Credit Union after the VIP Hub was named a recipient of its Community Champions Award earlier this year.
The launch event brought together a host of local representatives and sporting figures, including Laois Sports Partnership CEO Caroline Myers, VIP Hub Co-ordinator Tracey Percy, LOETB CEO Joe Cunningham, Portlaoise College Principal Noel Daly, TD Willie Aird, Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald, Cllr Barry Walsh and Laois County Council Director of Services Simon Walton. Torch bearer George Percy was also among those pictured at the launch, alongside Chief Superintendent Tony Lonergan, Garda Inspector Joe Culleton, People First Credit Union’s Carol Murphy and former Paralympic swimmer Nicole Turner.
The event celebrated the progress made in inclusive sport in Laois over the past 25 years, while showcasing the work being done to provide pathways for people with disabilities to participate, develop and progress in sport.
The VIP Hub has played a key role in helping athletes access mainstream clubs, development programmes and para sport pathways, while also creating environments where participants can build confidence and reach their potential.
The inaugural Games provided a fitting celebration of that work and the continued commitment to making sport accessible and inclusive for everyone in Laois.
9. Top: Laois Athletic Clubs reps with torchbearer George Percy at the Launch of the Laois Inclusion Games. Bottom Left: Joe Cunningham LOETB CEO, William Whittle, Torch Bearer George Percy and Noel Daly Principal of Portlaoise College
Denis Byrne