The 2026 World Abilitysport Guttmann Games were about more than competition. They were also an opportunity for athletes to share experiences, learn from one another and discover new opportunities in sport.

Held at the Three Campus Sport Institute, Pajulahti Campus in Lahti, Finland, the Games made history as the first multi-sport event in the Paralympic Movement exclusively for sports not on the Paralympic Games programme. From 16–21 August 2026, athletes from 22 nations competed across Disability Snooker, Inclusive Ice Figure Skating, Para Dance Sport, Para Laser Run, Para Triathle and Standing Tennis.

As part of the Games, World Abilitysport introduced its first-ever Sport Exchange Programme, bringing athletes together for a series of informal sessions built around one simple idea: Athletes Coaching Athletes.

The sessions were open to all athletes and team staff, with IFs, officials and coaches helping to provide equipment, guidance and support while the athletes themselves brought the sessions to life, sharing their skills through practical, hands-on experiences.

For some, this meant stepping onto the ice for the first time, for others, it meant potting their first ball on a snooker table.

For World Abilitysport’s Head of Operations, Elin Luce, the Sport Exchange Programme was one of the highlights of the Games.

“The Sport Exchange Programme was a real highlight of the Guttmann Games. Watching snooker players try Inclusive Ice Figure Skating, and Para dancers take on laser shooting alongside the Para Pentathlon athletes, created a real sense of community across the Games.”

“A huge thank you to the IFs, officials and coaches for supporting the initiative, but we are hugely grateful to the athletes who so generously shared their time, skills and expertise with their fellow athletes. It was fantastic to see athletes stepping outside their own sports, trying something new and learning from each other.”

For some athletes and members, the experience has already led to plans to continue developing the sports and disciplines they discovered in Lahti.

World Abilitysport Head of Sport Harry Cootes said, “The success and legacy of the Sport Exchange Programme has really been seen in athletes continuing to pursue the sports and disciplines they experienced at the Games, and our members heading home with plans to develop new sports in their countries.”

Czech Standing Tennis player Josef Blaha said of his experience, “The Guttmann Games showcased the skill, determination and teamwork that define Para sport. It was really inspiring to meet other Para athletes and share experiences – it made the event even more meaningful.”