Plenty of smiles as wheelchair sport festival returns to London
On Tuesday 1 November, 48 disabled people aged from 5 to 61 attended a Wheelchair Sports Festival at the Brunel University Sports Centre in London. The event was organised by WheelPower, the national charity for wheelchair sport and it provided all those who took part with the opportunity to try a variety of sports including boccia, tennis, wheelchair basketball, badminton and table tennis.
The event was WheelPower’s second wheelchair sports festival of the year and the first time they have been back to London following the COVID-19 pandemic. These life changing events bring together disabled members of the community, local coaches, and volunteers to enjoy sport, have fun and meet new people. For many this is their first introduction to wheelchair sport and an insight into the opportunities available in their local area.
Throughout the day the coaches delivered a series of taster sessions and activities to all of the physically disabled children and adults who attended, all whilst being supported by a wonderful group of volunteers from the Middlesex Masonic Sports Association and the Occupational Therapist Students from Brunel University.
Participant, Kuldip from Southall, said:
"Today’s been a real eye opener and it has shown me that there are so many options out there to play wheelchair sport. After a spinal cord injury it’s easy to think that it’s the end of the world. But with the support of organisations like WheelPower to reintroduce activities back into your life you realise that you can still do so much."
Maria Ingles, Table Tennis Coach from Greenhouse Sports, said:
"Table Tennis is a great leveller and a sport that is for everybody. If you give people the opportunity to play, it’s amazing to see what they do with that opportunity and the enjoyment they feel as a result. As a coach it’s about adapting to the person in front of you, and supporting them to achieve something they didn’t think they could do. I’ve loved being part of this event and introducing my favourite sport to so many new faces."
Paul Sully, Chairman of the Middlesex Masonic Sports Association said:
"We have been working with WheelPower for over 20 years and know that the work they do is fantastic. Sport really does inspire people, and you’ve only got to look at the smiles of everyone who took part in this event to see how much of a difference it has made. We would like to thank our hosts Brunel University who have been superb, by giving up their time and bringing a group of students along to help out. For us it’s not just about the money but actually being involved on the day, and everyone who has turned up to volunteer has absolutely loved it, and now can’t wait for the next one."
Conor Harris, Sports Event Coordinator at WheelPower said:
"After 3 years away we were delighted to been able to bring our WheelPower Sports Festival back to London. Supported by our sponsors, coaches, and the team here at Brunel the event has been a huge success. 48 disabled people took part that included both individuals and local school groups, and it was lovely to feel the buzz of the atmosphere, and see the joy on peoples faces, who may have been picking up a racket, or using a sports wheelchair for the first time. These events really are life changing and we look forward to coming back to London again next year."
For more information about WheelPower and the support, events, and opportunties they offer, please visit WheelPower website.
