Ardee Competitors Shine at Inaugural Ireland Fitness Inclusion Games
By ArdeePost Reporter
Ardee gym-goers among Louth athletes at first-ever national Inclusion Games
Gym-goers from Ardee and across County Louth took part in the first-ever Ireland Fitness Inclusion Games, held on Friday at Sport Ireland’s National Indoor Arena in Dublin. Over 100 participants with disabilities competed in events inspired by CrossFit and Hyrox, specially adapted to support mobility and inclusive fitness.
The event was organised by the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) under its Fitness Inclusion Project, a programme aiming to boost fitness, coordination, and confidence for people with disabilities through tailored gym workouts. Those from Ardee and Dundalk, including John Campbell and veteran participant Simon Cusack, have trained regularly at local gyms over recent months.
“I’m just loving the energy; there is a fantastic buzz,” said John Campbell from Ardee. “Since becoming involved, my upper strength has really improved, which makes such a difference. It’s great to be part of the group.” His enthusiasm was echoed by Dundalk’s Aaron Casey: “It’s helping me to be fitter, stronger and more flexible, it keeps me going.”
The Fitness Inclusion Project began in 2022 after IWA Area Manager Declan Hamilton completed a 100 km fundraising challenge. He noted the transformative impact on young adults who experienced gym workouts for the first time. “That’s when I knew we had something special,” he reflected. A CrossFit gym in Louth then partnered to develop inclusive adaptations for the programme.
Originally piloted with eight participants in Drogheda, the initiative has expanded across Longford, Galway, Dublin, and the northeast. Participants like Ardee’s Simon Cusack emphasise its mental and physical benefits. “I thought my life was all over… but life is just starting for me,” he said. “It gives me back my self‑esteem… don’t lie in bed—get out there and do it.”
The inaugural Fitness Inclusion Games mark a significant milestone—offering people with disabilities a platform to showcase strength, resilience, and community support on a national stage. Building on the enthusiasm from Ardee and Louth, organisers aim to scale the initiative further nationwide in the coming years.
