Portlaoise athletes competing at Fitness Inclusion Games
Portlaoise IWA members at the Fitness Inclusion Games last year. They are looking forward to the 2026 competition in Dublin later this month Photo: Paula Geraghty
ATHLETES from Portlaoise will represent their community at the Irish Wheelchair Association’s (IWA) 2026 Fitness Inclusion Games, which take place on Thursday 7 May at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena in Dublin.
With the popularity of the Hyrox fitness phenomenon continuing to grow across Ireland, athletes with physical disabilities will take centre stage in the country’s only fully inclusive, Hyrox inspired fitness competition.
For the second consecutive year, the Fitness Inclusion Games will bring together competitors from IWA community centres nationwide in what is Ireland’s first dedicated fitness event for people with physical disabilities.
The Games were developed as an inclusive alternative to high intensity fitness competitions such as CrossFit and Hyrox. All workouts are adapted to suit participants’ individual abilities, ensuring a competitive but accessible environment for athletes of all levels.
More than 150 athletes are expected to take part in the 2026 Games, competing in teams across a range of adaptive fitness challenges. Spectators are welcome to attend and support the athletes throughout the day.
While Irish Wheelchair Association community centres have long been hubs for socialising, activities and skill building, the Portlaoise centre has gone a step further in recent years.
In 2023, members and staff partnered with Laois Sports Partnership to develop a purpose designed gym specifically for wheelchair users and people with mobility disabilities. This initiative has played a key role in helping local athletes prepare for competition in Dublin.
Among those benefiting from the facility is Tommy White, who has been attending the IWA Portlaoise centre for more than five years. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Tommy says the gym has been transformative.
“I was always sports mad – I played hurling and GAA,” he said. “When I first came here, we were using another gym and there were only two machines I could use. Now everything is suitable. I love sports and it’s great for your mental health. You’re getting out, meeting people like yourself, and you still get to be competitive – which I really enjoy,” he said.
Athletes train year round through the IWA’s Fitness Inclusion Project, with many participants reporting significant improvements in both physical strength and mental wellbeing. Since its launch, the programme has expanded nationwide, offering more people the opportunity to experience inclusive fitness for the first time.
