Dylan Farrell (20) from Dromod; Keanu McGee (19) from Mohill and Fintan Smyth (20), from Ballinamore will participate in the event, which brings athletes with physical disabilities from across Ireland together for a dedicated day of inclusive fitness competition and fun.
Dylan, Fintan and Keanu have all been training hard to prepare for the Fitness Inclusion Games and are excited to take part on May 7.
Speaking ahead of the games, Keanu McGee said: “I’m looking forward to meeting new people, and the message is that disability is not a disability, it’s an ability.
“It goes to show you that everyone can do something if you put your mind to it,” said Keanu.
Fintan Smyth said he has been busy preparing for the games and is ready to take part.
“I’ve been in the gym in Ballinamore on Tuesdays.
“I’ve been training for it and I’ve been running around Ballinamore too.
“At the gym, I do weights while I do swimming and horse riding too.”
Dylan Farrell, who also participated in last year’s Fitness Inclusion Games and won a special award for his performance on the day, has become a dedicated gym-goer to get ready for the Games.
He said: “The rowing would make you tired and the skiing machines would make you very, very tired, your arms would be falling off,” said Dylan.
Taking place at the prestigious National Indoor Arena on the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin, the Games will see 150 participants compete in adapted team challenges designed to test strength, endurance and skill.
Now in its second year, the Fitness Inclusion Games are helping to build momentum for more inclusive fitness opportunities across Ireland, addressing the ongoing barriers many people with physical disabilities face when accessing gyms and competitive sport.
Valentina Macesanu, Young Adult Support Officer at IWA Carrick-on-Shannon, said: “For some of our group, this is their first time taking part in something like the Fitness Inclusion Games, and that’s a big step in itself.
“Others have already been building up their confidence through gym sessions, boxercise, and taking part in programmes with the Sports Partnership.
“Some are even coming in with experience like CrossFit, which is brilliant to see.
“It’s all about meeting everyone where they’re at, supporting them to grow, and focusing on their ability.
“For us as staff, it’s about creating those opportunities, building confidence, and seeing each person realise what they’re capable of.
“Through IWA’s Fitness Inclusion Project, IWA is committed to delivering real and lasting impact, ensuring more people with disabilities can enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits of being active in their communities,” said Valentina.
Inspired by CrossFit and Hyrox, the Fitness Inclusion Games feature adapted workouts, enabling athletes of all abilities to take part in a supportive and high-energy environment.
The Fitness Inclusion Project began as a small pilot in Drogheda in 2022 and has since grown into a national initiative, with programmes now running in locations including Navan, Galway and several areas in Dublin.
The Fitness Inclusion Games represent a significant step forward in making fitness accessible and inclusive and in creating lasting impact for people with disabilities across Ireland.