Sports and Smiles at WheelPower's Buckinghamshire Festival

The one-day event gave participants of all ages the opportunity to try and experience a variety of wheelchair sports at the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement.

Open to anyone with a physical disability and suitable for both children and adults, it showed that age is no barrier to the enjoyment of sport. There were five sports on offer including athletics, archery, boccia, pickleball and wheelchair rugby. All sessions were delivered by coaches from national governing bodies and local sports clubs, and supported by local volunteers.

The national charity for wheelchair sport delivers a calendar of life changing events for people with physical disabilities every year. During 2023 more than 150 people have taken part, with new venues set to be added to the growing list of locations over the next 12 months. 

Emily Weller, Head of Sport at WheelPower refelcted on the past year:

"The WheelPower Sports Festivals have become a really important part on our annual events calendar and we are thrilled to bring these fun packed days of sports to even more disabled people nationwide.

The Bucks event this month was once again a huge success and we thank the local clubs, schools, coaches and volunteers who brought so much joy to Stoke Mandeville. Sport has the power to change lives and we hope that the introduction of these sports will boost their confidence and motivations to join a local club and continue to enjoy the benefits that sport can bring."

As well as learning new skills, and making fiends, the emphasis of the events is about having fun. It is hoped many of those taking part will take away the confidence to join local clubs and continue to enjoy the many benefits that movement, activity and sport can bring to your life.

Trish took part in the day, her first ever. She said:

"It’s my first time at a WheelPower Sports festival and it’s been a really good day. I’ve never done archery before and I managed to hit the bullseye, which was amazing, I’ve never done pickleball either which was a lot of fun, and I even did a bit of boccia too. As well as the sport it’s just been fun meeting other people I’ve never met before and getting my competitiveness on."

Nigel is a current inpatient at the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville. He said:

"By doing more exercise I’m getting stronger each day and that helps me to be better at my transfers. Playing sport gives you that bit of freedom to actually know you are able to do things you could do before injury and I’m so grateful to WheelPower for giving us these opportunities that help us to keep progressing and make us better."

Chloe and her 9-year-old son Teddy are from Aylesbury:

"Teddy has spina bifida and is completely obsessed with sport! It’s been so good seeing him with people of a similar ages and abilities and I would absolutely recommend it to other parents. Teddy hasn’t stopped talking about how it was “the best day ever” and I can’t put into words how lovely that is."

Find out more by visiting the WheelPower website.