2024 Watersports Inclusion Games
2024 Watersports Inclusion Games, 22nd-23rd June
The 2024 Watersports Inclusion Games took place on the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd June 2024 on Lough Ramor, Virginia, Co. Cavan. The Lakeside Manor Hotel was the venue, on the N3 Dublin Cavan Road, less than an hour from Dublin.
The Watersports Inclusion Games is an event hosted by Irish Sailing on behalf of Sport Ireland. Watersports Inclusion Games is an award-winning FREE multi-watersports event for all abilities/disabilities from the physical, intellectual, sensory, and learning spectrums and those who experience barriers accessing mainstream sport.
Friday 21st was set up day and Rob & Joan Skelly traveled from Coleraine with their Malibu Ski boat, Andy Mc Quiggan came from Carrickfergus with all his watersport toys, Cormac Collins, Federation Secretary and Inclusion Officer came up from Cork with a full suite of equipment and Paul Carroll traveled the short spin from Shercock with the Super Air Nautique 220 in tow. Boats in water and set up done the team retired for the evening.
Saturday 22nd early start for the team, all were on site for 8 am and set up equipment Trailers, Flags, Banners, and boats were checked out and warmed up. There was an 8.30 am Briefing and we kicked off at 10 am, ably assisted by Nicole Carroll who travelled from Swords to help out. For the first time, we operated two boats with a crew of three on each. Rob, Joan, and Cormac manned the Malibu with Nicole, Andy, and Paul on the Nautique. Registration over we hit the water with a variety of people from vastly diverse backgrounds, with varying degrees of ability. Our Morning Sessions ran from 10 am to 12.30 pm and then the afternoon from 2 pm to 4 pm, as per usual we had to be chased off the water such was the enthusiasm of both Crew and Participants, last boats off the water escorted in by the weary Safety Crews. All back safely day one was a resounding success with 20 participants in and on the water, most got up on two skis for the first time in their lives some even long lined and realised that given the time, patience, and experience of a dedicated team they could achieve goals they never dreamed they could. The sense of achievement and the smiles said it all. The amazement on the faces of their siblings/parents/carers was unbelievable and showed us that this event is without doubt our best in the Federation Calendar.
An evening Banquet, compliments of the Organisers was hosted in the Lakeside Manor and the Team mingled with the other NGBs, the participants, and their families.
Sunday 23rd started with a massive degree of interest, Safety Briefing over we hit the water at 10 sharp, and by mid-morning we were turning people away such was the interest. The sun shone and the water calmed and we built on the experiences of Saturday, The V8 engines could be heard far and wide, and another massively successful day with quite a few newcomers to be seen on long lines showing what can be achieved with an expert team at the helm. As with Saturday, we were last off the water and the team packed up and went their various ways.
In short, this year’s event was the culmination of the past three events, we are learning year on year and with us operating two boats, we more than doubled the amount of participants, ending up with 43 on the water and in excess of 60 in total with families on boats observing. The sense of Giving Back felt by the Team was evident in the commitment and fun had by all and the commitment to doing it all again next year, wherever we are asked to be.
We also promoted and encouraged all who came to try again at any of the Federation Clubs, with Wake n Ski getting quite a lot of promotion due to their proximity to the event. Fingers crossed some follow through, go to Eamonn and try it out again.
All the Federation Equipment was on show augmented by Rob’s and this also garnered interest, especially with the Seated Ski. The site was not conducive to a demo but hopefully next year we can get one in.
Thanks especially to Cormac who is our conduit to Irish Sailing and the Inclusion Games and indeed to all who turned up and worked tirelessly, Rob, Joan, Andy, and Nicole did an amazing job and were excellent ambassadors for our Sport and our Federation.
Paul Carroll