The countdown to the 2026 Ireland Summer Games has officially begun following a launch event at the National Indoor Arena on the Sport Ireland Campus last Thursday.

More than 1,200 athletes from across the island of Ireland will take part in the Games, which will run from 18–21 June and represent the largest inclusive sporting event on the island. It is the first Ireland Games to be held in eight years, with the last lost to Covid in 2022.

The launch brought together athletes, partners, volunteers and community representatives to mark the latest step in the detailed preparations for the four-day event.

Among the highlights was a colourful Parade of Athletes, featuring teams representing Connaught, Eastern, Leinster, Munster and Ulster.

The ceremony also included the symbolic arrival of the Torch of Hope, carried as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, a global initiative that supports the work of Special Olympics programmes and their athletes.

Two Athlete Faces of the Games, Ashwin Maliyakal and Dara Kiernan, served as MCs alongside fellow athlete Francis Donnelly, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the event while highlighting the confidence and pride of the athletes who will compete this summer.

The Games will take place across multiple venues in the Dublin region, centred on the Sport Ireland Campus and with the Official opening taking place at Tallaght Stadium.

Among those attending the launch were the Mayor of South Dublin County, Pamela Kearns, and the Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, Councillor Jim Gildea, as well as representatives from Fingal County and Dublin City councils, all of whom are supporting the event.

The contribution of the Games’ commercial partners, including Stena Line, eir, Gala, Aer Lingus and Sports Direct, was also credited along with the work of the volunteers and community supporters who will help deliver the event.

Over 1,000 volunteers have already signed up to play their part in a variety of ways and if you want to devote some time over one or more of the four days in June, you can regiuster and find out more about the games at www.irelandgames.ie

The Games will be a life affirming experience for everyone involved from participants, families and supporters, to volunteers, commercial partners and sporting bodies, all coming together in creating a national celebration of inclusive sport.

 

Image Credit: Special Olympics Ireland

 

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