Gym-goers from Drogheda were among over 100 people with disabilities competing at Ireland’s first ever Fitness Inclusion Games last week, hosted by Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA). 

Inspired by CrossFit and Hyrox but adapted for people with disabilities, the competition, which took place at Sport Ireland’s National Indoor Arena in Dublin on Friday, was the first event of its kind in Ireland, bringing people with disabilities together in a celebration of strength, community and inclusion.

The event was organised through IWA’s revolutionary Fitness Inclusion Project, which encourages and supports people with disabilities to begin gym-based exercise programmes to increase fitness and improve coordination. 

A large number of IWA members from Drogheda, who have been training in CrossFit Louth, travelled to Dublin to take part.   

Nicola McDonnell, who was presented with an Inspiration Award at the end of the thrilling event, said that it was a day she will never forget. “We have been working towards this day for the past number of months” Nicola said. “It’s an amazing atmosphere and even though we are all a bit competitive we are enjoying ourselves too!

“It’s lovely to see so many people show their capabilities and abilities.  I can’t wait for next year’s already, it’s a day I’ll never forget.”

The inaugural Fitness Inclusion Games, which were officially opened by the last surviving co-founder of IWA, Dr Oliver Murphy from Drogheda, are the inclusive equivalent to the popular CrossFit and Hyrox gym competitions which have sprung up globally for gym users around the world.  

IWA’s Fitness Inclusion Project was initiated following a 100km fundraising challenge in 2022 by Drogheda – based IWA Area Manager Declan Hamilton, who is also a lifelong fitness enthusiast. 

The response from IWA members during that event laid the foundation for the pilot programme in Drogheda. 

Declan said: “Many of the young adults who came to support me that day had never been inside a gym before.  They absolutely loved it. That’s when I knew we had something special.”  

Declan approached the CrossFit gym in Drogheda, which embraced the opportunity to learn and adapt workouts for people with disabilities—and the Fitness Inclusion Project was born. 

Sean Carroll, who was also amongst the Drogheda contingent competing, 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 said “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.” 

Nicole Callan said that the initiative has changed her way of thinking. “I eat healthier, drink more water and feel more confident.  I love doing this with my friends.” 

From just eight participants in the original pilot, the programme now includes members of all ages in locations such as Longford, Galway, Dublin and the greater Northeast area. Even IWA staff have joined in, enjoying the physical and mental health benefits.  The goal is to make the programme available in every county in Ireland.  

Final thoughts to Nicola McDonnell: “I’ve always tried to stay fit but cross fit is another level, it is very intense and the coaches are excellent and push you to the brim and I need that. 

“It is very hard when you are in a chair to think of cardio ideas but since I started CrossFit Louth, what they do has really improved my breathing, my lungs.  I wouldn’t have liked going into a gym before because I didn’t have the confidence, thinking that people are looking at me so this has improved my confidence, I love it.”