Spotlight on Fitness Inclusion Games
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Two years ago, IWA Area Manager Declan Hamilton set out to complete 100km in a single day as part of a personal fundraiser. That effort led to the creation of a pilot IWA Fitness Inclusion Project, which has since grown beyond all expectations and will culminate in the first-ever IWA Fitness Inclusion Games, taking place on Friday, June 27th at Sport Ireland’s National Indoor Arena.
Over 100 members from across the country will compete in team events on the day, showcasing their abilities whilst having lots of fun!
All have been training hard in their respective gyms in the lead up to what will be the first accessible inclusive competitive event of its kind in this country and the excitement is mounting.
For Declan himself he cannot wait to see the IWA athletes experience their first taste of games competition. A huge fitness enthusiast in his personal life, taking part in CrossFit on a regular basis, he feels strongly that everyone should have access to that feeling of being healthy in mind and body.
“The pilot programme started with our Young Adults/School Leavers in Drogheda on the back of the fundraiser I did. Many who had never been inside a gym before came along to support me and they loved it.” And so, the seed was planted.
Declan approached a local CrossFit gym in Louth, who were keen to educate themselves on how to adapt a programme for people with disabilities, and the Fitness Inclusion Project was born.
He says: “From eight participants in that first pilot programme and initially catering for our school leavers, the Fitness Inclusion Project has expanded from the greater Northeast area to Cork, Galway and Donegal and now includes members of all age groups too. Employees are also joining in and feeling the benefits!”
The objective is to keep growing so that members in every part of Ireland can have the opportunity be part of the initiative which is having an extraordinary impact on the lives of those already participating.
Naomi Mehari’s first experience of going to the gym was through IWA’s Fitness Inclusion Project.
The Balbriggan member said: “I am like everyone else, that is the way I feel when I do the fitness inclusion. I don’t like people using my condition as an excuse. If I go to the gym I am like you. I want to be fit, like everyone else.”
As a wheelchair user an inclusive environment is extremely important to Naomi and she has noticed how exercising is now helping her breathing and spasms, and she now feels confident in the gym using the equipment. “Being part of this helps me get in shape,” she said.
Drogheda based Sean Carroll has been doing the Fitness Inclusion Programme for over a year and is reaping the rewards both physically and mentally. “I absolutely love it,” he told Spoke Out. “It puts your mind in a very good place”
Improving his upper body strength is paying dividends. “It helps me so much with my transferring in and out of my wheelchair and helps me to be able to push myself in the wheelchair up hills, it has given me better control over my wheelchair.” He added: “It has been great. Everybody is so supportive and encouraging and we have great craic.”
One of the more mature participants is Simon Cusack from Ardee IWA who attends his Fitness Inclusion Project in Dundalk. He says that being involved has made a huge impact on his life and his outlook. “I really look forward to it, it gets me out of the house. I am 15 years in a wheelchair now. I thought my life was all over, but I am still here to tell the story. It was a massive change, but we got there.”
The Fitness Inclusion Programme he says, “gives me back my self-esteem”. “It’s great, it gets me out of the house. It keeps me fit and is so positive for mental health, for the thinking just you know that life is not over, that life is just starting for me. I love doing the weights. The staff are lovely. I would love to see it being rolled out all over the country. I would say to people to take it on; you will see the benefits. I am feeling great, get out there and do it, don’t lie in bed.”
Conor Dillon had “never been in a gym in my life’ before joining IWA’s Fitness Inclusion Project.
“It was something I never thought wheelchair users could do. I love it. It is very inclusive and gets everybody involved. It teaches me how to look after my upper body strength which is very important. I am finding it hugely beneficial, like before the gym, I didn’t have any upper body strength so I am finding that I am getting upper body strength, so it’s very good.”
Conor added: “I love the gym, it is one of my favourite activities. It is hugely beneficial for your mental wellbeing. It kind of makes sure that your mental health keeps in good condition and all that stuff. I’ll be staying at the gym, there will be no slacking,” he quipped
Nicole Callan was one of the originals from Drogheda School-Leavers who took part in the pilot programme and has been hooked since!
She told Spoke Out: “It really has made a huge difference to my life. I eat healthier and drink a lot more water. It has improved my confidence, and I feel happier.
She added: “I am delighted doing it. I enjoy going with all my friends. I am healthier now.”
Declan Hamilton points out that the pioneering initiative is not about New Year Resolutions or fad diets. It’s about giving people with disabilities the tools to build positive relationships with an active lifestyle for life, which also benefits positive mental health.
“We are seeing this happen. Participants are feeling better about themselves and more positive about their future as well as feeling physically better.” He added that the Fitness Inclusion Project is an example of the person-centred approach IWA adapts with every member they support.
“We continue to dedicate time and resources to creating inclusive environments for our members of today and far into the future, empowering people with disabilities to live independent lives.”
He praised the gyms involved as without them the Project would not be happening and also the HSE for their support.
The Fitness Inclusion Games will take place in the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena in Dublin 15 on Friday, June 27th from 11am to 4pm. Spectators are welcome, and entry is free so please come along and help us cheer on our athletes.
Huge thank you to the supporters of these Games
