Participants ready for the Inter-Spinal Unit Games

On 8 April 2014 WheelPower will welcome over 80 patients from the 13 spinal units across the UK and Ireland for the Inter Spinal Unit Games. The flagship sport event for newly injured patients brings teams to Stoke Mandeville Stadium to discover and compete in a range of wheelchair sports.

The participants will receive coaching and demonstrations from leading wheelchair sports athletes and experienced coaches.

For nearly three decades the Inter Spinal Unit Games have been transforming lives. Matt Skelhon first found his talent for target shooting at the Games, two years later he claimed a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. 

People who have had their lives changed through a traumatic injury or illness will discover what they can achieve both in terms of sport and an independent lifestyle.

WheelPower’s Sport Development Officer, Stewart Jeeves, who organises the event said:

"Our aim is to encourage participation in sport and physical activity and continue the great work of our founder Sir Ludwig Guttmann. The Inter Spinal Unit Games are a great opportunity for people with a spinal cord injury to try sports.  Sport is a key part of rehabilitation, it also gives great social interaction and a confidence boost to people after a spinal cord injury."

Georgie Friend, clinical support worker the National Spinal Injuries Centre said:

Every year we are always excited about the Inter Spinal Unit Games. It gives our patients the chance to play different sports and meet new people from other spinal units going through similar situations.

 

Sports include:

Archery

Athletics (Track and Field)

Badminton

Cue Sports

Fencing

Handcycling

Powerlifting

Rowing

Shooting

Swimming

Table Tennis

Wheelchair Basketball

Wheelchair Rugby

Wheelchair Tennis

More on the Games can be found on our events pages.