FREE Wheelchair Sports Festival coming to Tidworth this March

Tuesday, 23 January 2024 00:00

On Thursday, 22th March, Tidworth Leisure Centre will be hosting the 2024 Wiltshire Sports Festival.

Organised by WheelPower, the national charity for wheelchair sport, the FREE event will provide local disabled people with a life-changing opportunity to experience several different sports whilst learning from a brilliant team of local sports coaches.

The event is open to anyone over the age of 5 with a physical disability and a great introduction to the many benefits of wheelchair sports.

As well as enjoying the sports on offer, the WheelPower Sports Festivals are primarily about having fun, making new friends and discovering what’s on offer nearer to home.

Confirmed sports so far include table tennis, boccia and golf, with more to be announced soon. In addition, all participants will receive a free WheelPower t-shirt and a packed lunch will be provided, too!

“We are really excited to be returning to Tidworth again in 2024 and brining the opportunity to play and enjoy sport to local disabled people. We hope that by attending the festival you will feel more confident to continue your sporting journey within your own communities. We know that being active and playing sport really does have the power to transform lives, so whether you are a first timer or returning after a break then we would absolutely love to see you in Wiltshire next month.” Emily Weller, WheelPower Head of Sport.

One of the children who attended last year’s Festival was seven-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!”

The Wiltshire Wheelchair Sports Festival from WheelPower is open to both groups and individuals, and a free booking can be made online www.wheelpower.org.uk/sport-events/wiltshire-festival

For more information about this event please email sport@wheelpower.org.uk or call the WheelPower sports team on 01296 395995.