Mary Immaculate College (MIC), in partnership with Limerick Sports Partnership (LSP), hosted the European Sport for All Conference and Community Sports Day on Friday, 7 August, as part of a four-day celebration of sport, culture and participation in Limerick.
The conference, themed ‘Shaping Europe Through Sport & Physical Activity – How Engagement in Sports & Physical Activity Impacts Culture’, brought together European and international leaders from sport, health, education and community development to explore how sport and physical activity can strengthen inclusion, wellbeing, social connection and cultural exchange.
The event marked the opening of the European Sport for All Games 2026 in Limerick, with 26 European delegations taking part in a programme of sporting, cultural and community activities across the city.
MIC hosted the first of two Community Sports Days at its Tailteann Sports Complex, where participants and members of the wider community had the opportunity to experience a diverse range of traditional and lesser-known sports from across Europe. Activities included Austria’s asphalt stock sport, Poland’s pljockanje, France’s barrel rolling, gymnastics from Estonia, Hungary’s horseshoe throw, Italy’s tamburello and Serbian folk-wrestling.
MIC also led the research side of the Games in partnership with the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and LSP. The research will examine how the European Sport for All Games 2026 can create a lasting legacy of increased participation in sport and physical activity, greater inclusion, stronger community connections and enhanced intercultural understanding.
The findings will provide valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, sporting organisations and community groups, helping to demonstrate how sport can break down barriers and create more inclusive, accessible and welcoming opportunities for everyone.
Dr Maeve Liston, Director of Enterprise & Community Engagement at MIC, said:
“The European Sport for All Games provided a wonderful opportunity to see first-hand how sport can bring people together across cultures, generations and communities. At MIC, we were delighted not only to co-host the conference and Community Sports Day, but also to contribute to the research around the event. The range of activities on display showed that sport can take many forms, while sharing the same ability to create connection, participation and a sense of belonging.”
The conference saw contributions from organisations including MIC, The Association for International Sport for All, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, Sport Ireland, the GAA, Active Cities Cork, University College Cork, the Technological University of the Shannon, the University of Limerick (UL) and Limerick City and County Council.
The European Sport for All Games continued across Limerick over the following days, with a second Community Sports Day hosted by UL on Monday, 10 August, alongside pop-up sporting and cultural activities at Limerick City locations including Arthur’s Quay, Honan’s Quay, the Hunt Museum, Nicholas Street and People’s Park.
