World Abilitysport is delighted to announce that inclusive ice figure skating will be included in the sport programme of the 2026 World Abilitysport Guttmann Games, following a collaboration with Inclusive Skating.

The addition marks a significant milestone for both organisations and further strengthens the World Abilitysport’s commitment to promote, grow and develop emerging and non-Paralympic Games sports for athletes with physical impairments.

Named after World Abilitysport founder and father of the Paralympic Movement, Sir Ludwig Guttmann, the 2026 World Abilitysport Guttmann Games will take place at the Sport Institute of Three Campuses – Pajulahti Campus in Lahti, Finland. Featuring a diverse programme of sports, inclusive ice figure skating is set to join disability snooker, Para dance sport, Para laser run, Para triathle and standing tennis for six days of training and competition from 16–21 August 2026.

World Abilitysport Acting CEO Harry Cootes said, “World Abilitysport is committed to keeping the Para sport landscape fresh and innovative, and these Games are an important opportunity to do just that.”

“The World Abilitysport Guttmann Games will shine a spotlight on the wealth of dynamic and exciting sports growing around the world for athletes with physical impairments outside of the sports featured on the Paralympic Games programme. The Guttmann Games will support their growth, increase their visibility and inspire the next generation of athletes and we are delighted to be working with Inclusive Skating towards the inclusion of inclusive ice figure skating and look forward to welcoming skaters to Lahti in August.”

Founder and Chair of Inclusive Skating, Margarita Sweeney-Baird BEM said,  “We are absolutely delighted that Inclusive Skating will be part of the inaugural World Abilitysport Guttmann Games in Lahti, Finland. This represents a landmark moment for our sport and for athletes with physical impairments who have long sought greater opportunities to compete, develop, and excel within an international framework of disability specific sport.”

“The Guttmann Games provide a wonderful platform to showcase the talent, determination, and artistry of our skaters, while also bringing together athletes from across the world in a celebration of inclusion and sporting excellence. For many members of the Inclusive Skating community, this will be their first opportunity to participate in a major World Abilitysport event, and we are excited to see new athletes emerge and existing athletes progress on their competitive journey.”

“Our partnership with World Abilitysport strengthens the pathway for athletes with physical impairments and supports the continued development of Inclusive Skating within the wider Paralympic movement. We look forward to working closely with World Abilitysport, the Local Organising Committee, and the international skating community to make this inaugural event a tremendous success and to build an even stronger future for Inclusive Skating worldwide.”

Entries for the 2026 World Abilitysport Games are now open and more information on the opportunity can be found here.