During the recent Paralympic games, research by ParalympicsGB showed that 75% of disabled school children were not taking part in sports at school.
Sports should be something that everyone gets to enjoy, but all too often those with disabilities are left out.
For many disabled individuals, not only finding a sport that is adaptive, but trying it out to find if it is both suitable and if it is something they will enjoy, can become a challenge.
Every year Wheelpower hosts a number of inclusive ‘Sports Festivals’ around the country. Participants taking part range from 5 years upwards.
I had the great pleasure of being invited along to their event at Stanmore on the 7th of November 2024 to see participants take part in sports including, Wheelchair Basketball, Table Tennis, Shooting, Badminton, and Boccia.
Speaking to Ella from WheelPower she said, “WheelPower has organised this event in conjunction with the venue, Aspire Leisure Centre, the spinal unit (at Stanmore) has been involved as well. We have physical activity advisors also on hand.
WheelPower’s mission is to make sure that everyone has access and opportunities to play sport and take part in physical activity. What it brings is introducing people, in the local area and slightly beyond, to those opportunities and opening people's eyes to what's possible.”
On the day not only were there people from WheelPower volunteering, from Emily who greeted me, to Connor who spoke to me via email before the event and Ella, who found time to speak to me about the day, Charles who is a Partner at Stewarts Law and a sponsor of WheelPower along with Paralegal Charlie.
Christina and Malavi who are studying for their Physio Masters at UCL had given up their little free time to volunteer for the day, the Titans Wheelchair Basketball team, and others such as Sandy a Table Tennis Coach, British Shooting volunteers, and Alex from Boccia England.
All these people had given up their time, to help individuals to find a sport they enjoyed, have a great day and it was plain to see that these volunteers weren’t there because they had to be but because they wanted to.
Speaking to Sandy who was hosting the Table Tennis event she said “Table Tennis is very popular with participants as it's one of those sports that’s very inclusive. Anyone can play. You can change the level and skills that you do based on ability.”
Watching each sport, the participants, had all come from different backgrounds, some had been born with their disability, some had only recently become disabled and were coming to terms. This day was not only a chance to get involved with physical activity but also to spend the day with like mind people and socialise.
The facilities at the Aspire Leisure Centre, Stanmore, were great. All set up for disabled people. From doors with push buttons to level access and the swimming pool which has wheelchair access directly into the pool.
Speaking to Centre Manager Joe, he said “Aspire is a sports centre, especially for disabled people. All wheelchair access. we've got the wheelchair basketball, we have Badminton, you name it. WheelPower are here today in Partnership with us to highlight what you can do in a wheelchair.”
During the day, whilst not only observing the participants I spoke to a few. Sunil who tried his hand at a few sports including shooting, said “I was worried coming along that there would be lots of children, but it was so nice to see that there were people of my age that I could interact with and get involved. It made for a really good day”
Max, who used to be a Hockey Goalkeeper before becoming disabled during lockdown said, “I want to find another active sport to get fitter, I tried shooting, but I really liked the wheelchair basketball, even though you're in the wheelchair playing basketball, you still need to be reasonably fit.”
I also got to speak to 12-year-old Aisha, who is a wheelchair user, who said “I enjoyed playing Table Tennis and hitting the ball back and forth. It is something I would like to play in the future.” Whilst Alisha is not sure if the Paralympics is the way for her yet, she was looking forward to spending the afternoon trying out some of the other sports the day had to offer.
Everyone was included in the day.
I watched the wheelchair basketball, and as one gentleman who was a powerchair user, backed off the court, a member of the Titan squad soon followed him.
Advising he didn’t want to ruin the game as he was unable to keep up with those with more physical abilities, the Titan player took him to one side where he played with him one-on-one, teaching him training skills.
It did not matter if you had little moveability or off-wheeling about in a wheelchair at 10mph, all volunteers took their time with everyone.
I even got to try my hand at Table Tennis. It is safe to say though, I won’t be changing careers anytime soon!
The Next WheelPower Sports Festival is taking place at Stoke Mandeville on the 5th of December 2024. To register or to see other events please visit WheelPower’s webpage.
