Spotlight on the second annual Fitness Inclusion Games
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She trains alongside a group of other members in the Navan Strength Collective, and all are busy preparing for the second annual Fitness Inclusion Games, which take place on Thursday, May 7th, in the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena in Dublin.
June told Spoke Out: “I started the Fitness Inclusion this year. I never ever thought I’d be in a gym. I really enjoy it. I like that it is making me fitter.”
She added, “I am able to do things that I never thought I’d be able to do, like holding a laptop.”
The benefits health wise have been amazing. “I find I am not coughing as much as I used to during the day,” June revealed.
Jane Fennessy is also on the countdown to the Games which she really enjoyed last year, describing it as a ’unique day’.
Approximately 150 members from around the country are expected to compete on May 7th in what is a fully inclusive, adaptive fitness competition inspired by global formats such as CrossFit and Hyrox.
Excitement is building in anticipation of the event.
Spectators welcome on the day
Declan Hamilton, interim National Director of IWA, who came up with the idea of the pioneering Fitness Inclusion Project and subsequent games, said that the initiative has continued to grow in the past year.
He told Spoke Out: “It is incredible to see how far people have come since the last Games Day in June 2025. It has turned into a really incredible project, which started with less than 50, with probably 250 involved now.
“It’s very much driven at local level and with the staff, the coaches in the gyms and most importantly the members participating, that’s what makes it so special. It has been humbling to witness the growth of participants since the project began. Our ethos has always been about fun and inclusive fitness, so for me I just want people to come and have a great day.”
If you aren’t taking part, members can still come along and be part of the event by cheering on from the sidelines and soaking up the atmosphere.
“The atmosphere last year was electric. It really is a great day and we would love to see as many members as possible there supporting those taking part. Families and friends of the participants are also welcome,” added Declan.
Looking forward to competing on the day is Zane Hoshan from Drogheda, who is nearly two years involved in the Fitness Inclusion Project. “It’s very inclusive and builds your confidence,” he said.
"I feel great in myself doing the exercises"
Kelly Kinsella came away with a special achievement award from the first ever Fitness Inclusion Games and can’t wait to participate with her Navan team again this year.
“The Fitness Inclusion Project and the games day itself really is great fun. I’m doing it to be fit. I feel great in myself doing the exercises and there is lots of laughter and joking,” she told Spoke Out
"It has been absolutely life-changing"
Graham Acton, Service Co-Ordinator in Navan, has witnessed first-hand the hugely positive impact the Fitness Inclusive initiative has had on members.
“It’s been absolutely life-changing, just unbelievable,” he said.
“It’s not just the physical positive impacts it’s had on members. An amazing story for me is one of our young members. She was telling me that her family would be going to the gym on a weekly basis, going for walks, going for runs etc. And going to events, to a marathon, and she never felt part of the conversation.”
“Because of the Fitness Inclusion Games and the Fitness Inclusion Project she now feels part of that conversation, and she has something to strive for, which I think is absolutely amazing.”
IWA would like to sincerely thank our passionate Fitness Inclusion supporters, without whom this project and event would not be possible.
They are: The HSE, Insanity Fitness Pollyhops, CrossFit Louth, SKF Dundalk, SKF Drogheda, Navan Fitness Collective, Primal Jiu Jitsu, RedClick, Thirst, Juice Works, Koncept, Sports Skins, Nutriquick, Naze Ireland, Body First Nutrition, Granada, Vico Deodrant, 42K Running, Sillis Green Veg Ltd, Pop Up Races.