Event News
PHOTOS Thousands Embrace 2026 European Sport for All Games in Limerick
Limerick has celebrated a successful European Sport for All Games, with huge crowds turning out across the four-day festival
Four-day 2026 European Sport for All festival sees people of all ages try traditional sports and games from Europe and beyond
Limerick has celebrated a successful European Sport for All Games, with huge crowds turning out across the four-day festival to experience an extraordinary mix of traditional sports, games, culture and entertainment.
Young and old joined in throughout the weekend, trying their hand at games rarely seen in Ireland and discovering sporting traditions from across Europe.
From Pljockanje from Croatia and Sjoelen (shuffleboard) from the Netherlands, to cheese rolling and tamberello from Italy, the emphasis was firmly on participation, with members of the public encouraged to have a go, meet the visiting delegations and learn about the traditions behind the different activities.
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Fine weather added to the festival atmosphere, as Limerick welcomed more than 250 participants representing 26 European delegations.
The international flavour extended beyond Europe, with Capoeira from Brazil and freestyle football among the activities adding to the action-packed programme, as well as performances from groups from Quimper, France, marking the 45th anniversary of the twinning of the cities of Quimper and Limerick. The All Ireland Skateboarding Competition at Steamboat Quay which was supported by Limerick Sports Partnership added to the weekend festivities.
Irish sporting and cultural traditions also played an important part in the Games. Visiting delegates had the opportunity to experience hurling, wheelchair hurling and the ancient Irish tradition of stone lifting, creating a genuine two-way cultural exchange between Ireland and the international participants.
Phelim Macken, Manager of Limerick Sports Partnership, said, “As organisers, we’re delighted with the turnout and would like to thank the people of Limerick and the surrounding regions for supporting the European Sport for All Games. It was fantastic to see people of every generation getting involved. And I know from feedback from the delegations they are also very grateful. We showed Limerick at its best this weekend.”
Janez Sodržnik, President of TAFISA, said, “We feel very privileged to be here in Limerick for the TAFISA European Sport for All Games. Hearing from the delegations who came from all over Europe and beyond to share their games and passion, their experience has been overwhelmingly positive thanks to the hospitality we were all shown. A big thank you to the people in Limerick who have so warmly welcomed us here. I can confidently say a lot of friendships were born during these past few days.”
The Games were organised by Limerick Sports Partnership in collaboration with TAFISA, Limerick City and County Council, Sport Ireland, University of Limerick, Mary Immaculate College and co-funded by the European Union.
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