The 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships take place from 22nd August to 3rd September 2026
Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise has announced its sponsorship of fitness instructor William Paiva as he prepares to represent Ireland at the 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships (WMAC)* in Daegu, South Korea.
A combined events athlete with Portlaoise Athletic Club, William (42) has been selected to compete in the Decathlon and Throws Pentathlon, marking his first time in Irish colours on the international stage.
WMAC Daegu 2026
Taking place from 22nd August to 3rd September 2026, WMAC Daegu 2026 will bring together around 11,000 athletes and their accompanying persons from 90 countries. Open to competitors aged 35 and over, the Championships feature 34 athletics events across track, field and road disciplines, making it one of the world’s largest international masters sporting events.
William is expected to be the only athlete from County Laois on the Irish team, with his selection marking a proud moment for both his club, Portlaoise Athletic Club, and athletics in the county.
Midlands Park Hotel is supporting William by covering his travel and accommodation expenses, helping him achieve his goal of competing on the world stage. A Fitness Instructor at the hotel’s health & fitness club, William delivers fitness assessments, personalised training programmes and group exercise classes, while also leading the annual Couch to 5K programme in preparation for the popular Streets of Portlaoise 5K, Portlaoise AC’s annual St Patrick’s Day 5K road race.
Supporting William’s journey is just one example of Midlands Park Hotel’s ongoing commitment to local sports and community initiatives, as the hotel already sponsors Laois GAA underage club leagues and championships and serves as the title sponsor of the Streets of Portlaoise 5K.
For William, the chance to represent both Ireland and County Laois is an amazing opportunity to inspire others to take up athletics or reach for higher goals. He said,
“Representing Ireland is a huge honour. I hope my experience encourages more people to get involved in athletics, especially in throwing events. I’d love to see enough athletes coming through to form a Laois throws team for javelin, discus and shot put.”
Sabine Wycisk, General Manager of Midlands Park Hotel, commented on the sponsorship, saying,
“We are happy to support William as he prepares to represent Ireland. This is a fantastic achievement that reflects the discipline and commitment he brings to his sport and his role here at Midlands Park Hotel. We are incredibly proud to have William as part of our team and wish him every success in Korea. Everyone at the hotel will be cheering him on.”
For more information on Midlands Park Hotel see www.midlandsparkhotel.com.
For updates on William’s journey, follow @midlands_park_hotel.
