For those needing a wheelchair to access exercise and sport.The variety of opportunities available. To fit in with current lifestyles where the participant feels most comfortable. Through targeted programmes and initiatives and National Governing Bodies (NGB)s / Disability providers. To allow everyone the same access to sports and exercise opportunities without discrimination*.
Are you a wheelchair user? Would you love to be more active? Then this whistle-stop guide has everything you need to get moving safely, whether that be a vigorous game of Wheelchair Rugby, a less physical but mentally tactical game of Boccia or a dance class. There is something for everyone to enjoy at any level.
Before getting started the NHS Exercise Guidelines For Wheelchair Users sets out some key things to consider. These include reasons to be active, the types of exercise you should aim for and the variety available. It also includes a great video which shows how to find the right gym or exercise programme for you to do at home. The Find Your Opportunity wizard from Parasport is recommended as a great way to find the right wheelchair sport/exercise for you. WheelPower offers a variety of opportunities to help you get started, progress and participate in regular events and taster sessions. There's a great Getting Started section to help you along the way.
Low Level/Getting Started
A sedate route for those wanting something simple or for the more severely disabled, Boccia offers so much. Boccia UK said: ‘Boccia is a sport designed for athletes with high support needs and has no Olympic equivalent. It is a target sport played indoors with soft leather balls. It is a sport of intriguing tactics, incredible skill and nail-biting tension. Once you see it or play it you will be hooked!’ (http://boccia.uk.com). You’ll find some great videos, details about the sport, how it is played and competition. Something you could easily set up at home for family fun or carer and cared for to enjoy together.
An Alternative
Dance is also a great entry-level opportunity as the moves, even if instructor led can be interpreted by the individual in their own unique way. It’s about the effect, emotion and escapism more than getting everything perfect. It can be as simple as moving to favourite music at home.
Tackling Depression Through Wheelchair Dance shows how Rebecca Fowler managed to support her mental health after being diagnosed with MS and becoming a wheelchair user. Through Para Dance UK (National Governing Body for wheelchair dance), she found the local group FreeWheelin Dance in Birmingham. Although she admits feeling intimidated initially, she reports being made very welcome and now can’t imagine a life without dance.
Para Dance UK also offer online dance lessons, courses and inclusive dance which includes something for everyone as you can see from the chart below.
How far can a Wheelchair take you?
21 Best Wheelchair Sports by Disability Friendly certainly opens your eyes to some different possibilities! For example; “Aaron Fotheringham is a wheelchair user who pushes the limits of where he and his wheelchair go. Three times he’s become the WCMX champion, a sport that’s a mashup of skateboarding and BMX riding for wheelchair users. (https://www.disabilityfriendlylv.com/21-Best-Wheelchair-Sports-You-Need-to-Know/) It also includes options like surfing, mountain biking, snowboarding and archery. Plenty to get you thinking!
Some Contact required?
High octane, high intensity, a bit of contact? Then Wheelchair Rugby could be the game for you. It can be vicious and has quite a reputation in the Paralympic world! An exciting and hard-hitting game to watch and great for participants wanting a fast-moving, high-paced action sport.
Want to take it further?
If you’re looking for competition then head to the International Paralympic International Paralympic Committee for full details of the 28 Paralympic sports sanctioned for the Paralympic Games. Currently, there are 22 summer events and six winter events. Head to your country's National Governing Body for whichever sport you choose for the low down on what the sport involves, how to get started, clubs in your local area, competition formats and classifications.
Specialised Wheelchairs
You may need some specialised wheelchairs for some of the events. Check with the club you join first as they may have some spares that you can try. WheelPower has a great guide on sports wheelchairs that includes; choosing the right chair, funding and maintenance.Sunrise Adaptive Wheelchairs have some great chairs to support those wishing to move up the ranks and take the sport to the next level.
A whirlwind stop tour of everything wheelchair! Whether you are after something for yourself, something for a family member or you’d like to make sessions accessible for others this is a great starting point. There is so much more to explore, so make the most of that chair!
NHS Guidelines For Wheelchair Users
ParaSport UK - Find An Activity
Wheel Power - Home Page
WheelPower - Getting Started Guide
Boccia UK - Homepage
Rebecca Fowler - Wheelchair Dance
Wheelchair Para Dance UK - Homepage
Disability Friendly - 21 Best Wheelchair Sports
Wheelchair Rugby
International Paralympic Committee
WheelPower Specialised Sports Wheelchairs
Sunrise Medical - Adaptive Wheelchair Sports Chairs
*Please be aware that sometimes we find what we convey helpful but at other times we don’t. However, we include it because everyone's journey is different and we have passionate perseverance to help others as much as possible. To dispose of it all would be a waste and a disservice to our readers.