The Dwarf Sports Association of Ireland (DSAI) are finishing their preparations for the 8th World Dwarf Games in Cologne, Germany.
The Games will run from Friday, July 28, until Sunday, August 6, with 14 athletes representing Team Ireland, all of whom have a form of dwarfism.
This represents the largest International sporting event held exclusively for athletes with dwarfism, with hopes of growing the competition and attracting athletes from around the globe.
Hayley Fitzsimons is one of the 14 athletes making the trip and she also acts as the secretary of DSAI. The Waterford woman is relishing the opportunity that awaits.
"These games give individuals, like me, the sporting opportunity to compete on a level playing field," she told Beat Sport.
"They also provide a social opportunity for individuals, and for one week while the games are being held and run, it gives individuals with dwarfism the opportunity to be able to see eye to eye and the feeling of being able to walk into a sporting ground or room and realise that you're no different to everyone else."
Team Ireland - World Dwarf Games 2023
Team Ireland consists of a mix of both male and female athletes, ranging from as young as five years old to their late forties.
Each athlete will be placed in a suitable category for their disability and height, with three available: Class 1 – Class 3.
The bond within the group is clear to see, and it is one that Hayley is proud to share. She added: "Whilst it is the first time for five of our athletes to represent their country at the World Dwarf Games, a lot of our athletes have represented Ireland before - Belfast (2009), Michigan, USA (2013) and Canada (2017).
"The bond that each athlete has with each other as a team is something special. There is a strong feeling of friendship amongst the team with many individuals sharing similar interests.
"Each team member cares about each athlete on the team and wants to see each athlete succeed while having the attitude of being ready, willing and able to support each individual no matter the outcome."
Team Ireland - World Dwarf Games 2023
There are eleven different sports categories to be contested, with Ireland competing in the majority of these.
When the athletes competed at the games in Canada in 2017, they brought home seventeen medals in various sports, including javelin, discus, swimming, powerlifting, archery and table tennis.
The Dwarf Sports Association of Ireland do not receive any funding, and athletes must fundraise for themselves to represent their country.
"To assist with the cost, including flights, accommodation, entry fee and boarding; the Dwarf Sports Association set up a fundraising page," Hayley said.
"We did so to help athletes and to provide the opportunity for them to represent their country."
The DSAI is a sporting organisation that was established in 2012. It aims to encourage people with restricted growth conditions to participate in sports at a level suited to their ability.
As there is a lack of sports opportunities for short-statured people, the DSAI hopes to provide an environment which rewards dwarf athletes by taking their ambitions seriously, and through their training and dedication, giving them a realistic opportunity to succeed.
If you wish to support the team, the link can be found for the World Dwarf Games 2023 here.
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