Participants prepare for 2016 Inter Spinal Unit Games
WheelPower is preparing to welcome over 90 people from the spinal injury centres across the UK and Ireland for the start of 2016 Inter Spinal Unit Games which start on Tuesday 12 April.
Organised by WheelPower, the national charity for wheelchair sport, the Inter Spinal Unit Games is the flagship sports event for people with recent spinal cord injuries to take part and compete in a range of wheelchair sports.
Held at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the birthplace of the Paralympic movement, for many participants the Games are the first opportunity to take part in sport and activity away from the centres as part of their rehabilitation.
Participants will receive coaching and demonstrations from leading wheelchair sports athletes and experienced coaches.
Sallyanne Haigh, 42, who will be representing Salisbury (Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre) at the Games said:
“I am really looking forward to trying lots of different sports. I have tried wheelchair rugby and enjoyed swimming. I hope to be able to shine in the pool and would love to represent my country in future sports in either riding/dressage or swimming. I really can’t wait to meet lots of other individuals in the same situation.”
Samantha Kinghorn was aged just 15 when she took part in the 2011 Inter Spinal Unit Games and discovered wheelchair racing for the first time. Samantha has since gone on to represent Scotland at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and looks a fine prospect for this year’s Paralympic Games in Rio.
WheelPower’s Sport Development Officer Stewart Jeeves who has organised the event since 2012 said:
“The Inter Spinal Unit Games is a unique opportunity for people with a spinal cord injury to experience the range of sport and accessible activities that are available to them.
“Sport and exercise is an essential part of rehabilitation, it also gives great social interaction and a confidence boost to people after a spinal cord injury.”
Stewart continues:
“WheelPower would like to thank Stewarts Law, SIA Healthcare, New Quadrant Partners and Outer Temple Chambers for their support for the Inter Spinal Unit Games.”
The 2016 Inter Spinal Unit Games take place from Tuesday 12 to Friday 15 April. Follow @WheelPower and #ISUG on Twitter for more news and updates about the 2016 Inter Spinal Unit Games.
