Waterford athlete heads overseas to compete in World Dwarf Games

PREPARATIONS for the World Dwarf Games are nearly finalised by the Dwarf Sports Association of Ireland (DSAI), and one Waterford native will travel overseas to take part.

Hayley Fitzsimmons from Portlaw will travel to Cologne, Germany to compete in the World Dwarf Games 2023, taking place from July 28 to August 5 after a six year wait. 

Much like the Olympics and Paralympics, the World Dwarf Games typically takes place every four years.

However, it has been a six year wait for the athletes this time around, with the pandemic stalling the usual schedule. 

As Hayley tells WLR, the competition is specifically for those with dwarfism and the range of sports is much like that of the Olympics, from archery to volleyball, badminton to track or even javelin to table tennis. 

Previously participating in the 2013 and 2017 Games, Hayley is also secretary of the DSAI.  

Hayley is one of 14 Irish athletes that will be travelling to Cologne this time around. Team Ireland athletes will take part in most of the 11 varieties of sports in this years Games.

Team Ireland consists of a mix of both male and female athletes, ranging from as young as five to their late 40's.