Staff Writer
On 21 March over 35 local disabled people came together at the Tidworth Leisure Centre in Wiltshire for a fantastic new opportunity to try wheelchair sports.
The free event was organised by WheelPower, the national charity for wheelchair sport and it was the first time it has taken place in Wiltshire. The event was open to anyone over the age of 5 with a physical disability and provided a great introduction to the many benefits of wheelchair sports.
During the day the participants were able to try wheelchair basketball, boccia, tennis, fencing and table tennis, whilst learning from qualified local coaches and supported by a wonderful team of volunteers throughout.
As well as enjoying the many sports on offer, the WheelPower Sports Festivals are primarily about having fun, making new friends and discovering more about the opportunities available to continue playing sports locally.
For many, this was the first time trying the sports on offer, and it is hoped this introduction will give them the knowledge and confidence to continue their sporting journey nearer to home.
“This was our first time we have visited Wiltshire and we were delighted with the response of the local community in support of this life changing day of wheelchair sport. As a charity it is important to bring these events to the people and Tidworth provided a fantastic central location to do so. It was great to see disabled people of all ages in attendance, aged from 7 to 76, and lovely to see them all enjoying the five sports on offer. There were smiles aplenty and we now can’t wait to return to Wiltshire on an annual basis to support even more disabled people to get active and play sport.” Emily Weller, Head of Sport, WheelPower.
One of the children who attended the Festival was 7-year-old Ted from Devizes who has cerebral palsy. His parents said, “Ted lives for sport and is a very active child. He was so excited about coming along today and had been counting down the days. He had a great time and said afterwards that it was ‘the best day of his life’.
“Not only has he loved playing the games and trying a sports wheelchair but it’s also been good to meet people and he’s made lots of new friends.”
Emily, 32 travelled to Tidworth from Winchester and really enjoyed her day with WheelPower. She said, “Everyone was so friendly and I would definitely recommend these sports festivals to anyone who wants to try out some wheelchair sports, meet like minded people and just have a good day out.
“I loved trying basketball, tennis, and the fencing was really good too. Thank you WheelPower for coming to Wiltshire, I’m already looking forward to the next one!”
For more information about WheelPower please visit www.wheelpower.org.uk
Andy Munns
