Lough Derg Yacht Club Hosts Watersport Inclusion Games

28th June 2022

This year’s Watersport Inclusion Gamesparticipants were offered an expanded range of sports including sailing, powerboating (above), kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, water skiing and fishing Credit: Annraoi Blaney

After a two-year gap forced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Watersports Inclusion Games returned successfully this weekend (25 & 26 June) at Lough Derg Yacht Club.

Nearly 100 people with physical, sensory, intellectual and learning disabilities took part despite some adverse weather conditions.

This year’s participants were offered an expanded range of sports including sailing, powerboating, kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, water skiing and fishing, all on the beautiful waters of Lough Derg Yacht Club in Dromineer, Co. Tipperary.

Despite the wind and rain, participants all got out on the water to try different activities.

The Watersports Inclusion Games enable people of all abilities from the physical, sensory, intellectual and learning spectrums to take to the water to participate in a wide range of water activities.

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About the Watersports Inclusion Games

The Watersports Inclusion Games are an award-winning event organised by Irish Sailing with partners from across the watersports sector, that enable people of all abilities from the physical, sensory, intellectual and learning spectrums to take to the water to participate in a wide range of water activities.

More than 250 people with physical, sensory, intellectual and learning disabilities typically take part in the weekend's events.

Participants will have the opportunity to try more sports than ever before, with an expanded range including sailing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, rowing, surfing, water skiing and powerboating all on offer.

The Games typically take place each August.

The organisers of the Games want to let people of all abilities know that there are multiple watersports available to them, and to encourage more people from all backgrounds to get involved and out on the water regardless of ability. They aim to highlight that any barriers faced by people with disabilities can be eliminated.

There are social, health and wellness benefits associated with sailing and all watersports. These include improved muscle strength and endurance, improved cardiovascular fitness and increased agility, enhanced spatial awareness, greater mental wellness through the balancing of serotonin levels and the lowering of stress levels, improved concentration and the forging of positive relationships.