Watersports Inclusion Games will sail into Dún Laoghaire 

A FREE event which will allow people of all abilities from the physical, sensory, intellectual and learning difficulty spectrums to try watersports will take place on the Southside this weekend.  

Mark Pollock, Commonwealth medal winner in rowing, Round Ireland sailor, Adventurer and Cure for Paralysis activist, launched the inaugural Watersports Inclusion Games, organised by the Irish Sailing Association. 

Hosted by the Royal St George Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire, the games will take place this Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26.

The activities on offer will include sailing, rowing and canoeing. Pollock, who lost his sight at the age of 22 and was then paralysed after a tragic accident in 2010, said: “Watersports have played a really significant role in my life.

The fact that I was able to continue sailing after going blind really helped me move forward not just because of the sport itself but the camaraderie and friendships it continues to provide me with. 

“My focus is on helping people achieve what they believe is impossible. 

“This underpins the work I am part of, trying to find a cure for paralysis but also my involvement in events such as the Watersports Inclusion Games which is giving people who may have thought watersports would never be for them to give it a try and no doubt, have some fun in the process.”

Organised by the Irish Sailing Association in collaboration with Spinal Injuries Ireland, Canoeing Ireland and Dun Laoghaire Sea Scouts with funding from the Sport Ireland, the event will attract people of all ages, demographics and backgrounds, and will look to promote both the accessibility and benefits of watersports for everyone. 

There will be no charge for any of the activities and experiences at the games. Fully qualified personnel will provide sporting equipment and any   necessary instruction while no prior experience is necessary to take part.

Harry Hermon, chief executive of the Irish Sailing Association, said: “We are delighted to be launching the inaugural Watersports Inclusion Games. 

“Watersports really do have something for everyone. 

“We take pride in Irish sailing that it is a sport that people can enjoy no matter their stage in life or personal circumstances. 

“We are encouraging anyone who thought they might like to give watersports a try to join us in Dun Laoghaire on June 25 and 26. 

“We are hoping that it may be the first step in a lifetime of enjoyment and friendship as part of a very vibrant watersports community in Ireland.”

Nadine Lattimore, London 2012 Paralympic athlete and keen windsurfer and sailor, and Oisin Putt, member of the Sailability Paralympic Pathway Team, accompanied Mark Pollock at the launch.  

Both Nadine and Oisin are campaigning to bring parasailing back into the Olympics Games and keen to inspire everyone to get out onto the water trying different watersports. 

For more information or to register, visit www.sailing.ie/watersportsinclusiongames, or email wsinclusion@gmail.com.