More than 250 participants, families, volunteers and supporters gathered at University College Dublin last Saturday, 16 May, as Vision Sports Ireland staged the 45th edition of MayFest, Ireland’s longest-running annual multi-sport festival for people who are blind or vision impaired.
The landmark anniversary event marked 45 years since the original May Games in 1981 and delivered, organisers said, the most celebrated edition of the festival to date.
Hosted across UCD’s sports campus, the event featured an expanded programme of activities designed to encourage participation for people of all ages and abilities. Supported by volunteers from across Ireland and the headline sponsor, Davy, participants had the opportunity to try a wide range of sports, including golf, rock climbing, rowing, weightlifting, tennis, target shooting, orienteering, rugby, athletics, football, and disc golf.
Additional activities were delivered in partnership with Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown Sports Partnership, which hosted challenge games such as archery and giant Jenga, while Let’s Go Ireland provided interactive, reaction-based games throughout the day.
Alongside the sporting programme, attendees also had access to information stands and workshops from organisations including Féach, VIP Hub, Vision Ireland’s technology department and Dublin City University. A new addition to this year’s event was the Start Well parents’ workshop hosted by DCU.
The day concluded with a social gathering and barbecue at Old Wesley Rugby Club, home of the Vision Impaired Rugby team, which also hosted a bake sale to raise funds for an upcoming world tournament in Japan.
Feedback from participants highlighted the inclusive atmosphere that has become synonymous with MayFest over the past four decades.
“We had an absolutely fantastic day at our first MayFest,” one participant said.
“The staff and volunteers were so friendly, encouraging, upbeat and helpful, which really helped create the positive vibes of the event. The amount of options to try was great, and everyone in our family had a brilliant day and is looking forward to going again next year.”
Pádraig Healy, National Sports Development Manager with Vision Sports Ireland, said the festival reflected the organisation’s wider Beyond Vision strategy in action.
“MayFest is Vision Sports Ireland’s Beyond Vision strategy in practice,” he said.
“Whether someone is taking their first steps in sport through Start Well, building an active life through Live Well, or staying connected to physical activity through Age Well, MayFest delivered something for every stage of the journey.”
“MayFest for 45 years has been the platform for people to connect and move outside their comfort zone and thrive through sport and physical activity.”
“A special thank you to the VSI team and all the volunteers who made the event such a success. We also would like to acknowledge the event sponsor, Davy Group, as well as NGB partners and UCD Sports staff.”
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