Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Wheelchair Sports Charity UK
Wheelpower has been dedicated to empowering individuals with physical impairments through sport and physical activity for over 75 years. Established at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement, we provide inclusive opportunities for disabled people to lead active, healthy lives. Our mission focuses on delivering accessible sports programs, training courses, and online classes tailored to diverse needs. With a legacy rooted in the pioneering work of Sir Ludwig Guttmann, we continue to innovate through virtual fitness sessions, national sports festivals, and community engagement initiatives.Our team combines decades of expertise in adaptive sports with a deep understanding of accessibility requirements. As a registered charity, we rely on donations and partnerships to expand our reach. We maintain rigorous safeguarding policies and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure our services meet evolving needs. Our impact spans confidence-building, physical rehabilitation, and social integration through sport. We prioritise transparency in operations and maintain strong ties with the Paralympic community to uphold our authoritative position in disability sports development.
Services
Wheelchair Sports
Online Fitness Classes
Sports Festivals
Training Courses
Community Programs
Fundraising Events
Volunteer Opportunities
Equipment Guidance
Paralympic Education
Health & Fitness Advice
Details
- Year established: 1949
Highlights and features
- We have 75 years' experience in disability sports development
- We offer 40+ wheelchair sports options nationwide
- Our online classes provide accessible fitness solutions
- We host annual sports festivals for all abilities
- We maintain strong Paralympic Movement connections
What people say
Life-changing opportunities
Excellent accessibility
Supportive community
Services
Wheelchair Sports Programs
We deliver comprehensive wheelchair sports opportunities across 40+ disciplines including basketball, tennis, and rugby. Our programs cater to all ages and abilities through local clubs, national festivals, and Paralympic pathway initiatives. Participants benefit from structured coaching, competitive opportunities, and social integration through sport.
Online Fitness Classes
Our free weekly Zoom classes include adaptive box-fit, yoga, and general fitness sessions led by specialist instructors. These accessible workouts accommodate various mobility levels and require no equipment, enabling home-based exercise for disabled individuals nationwide with internet access.
Sports Festivals
Annual regional festivals in Buckinghamshire, Yorkshire, and Middlesex provide competitive and recreational sporting opportunities for participants aged 5+. Events feature multiple wheelchair sports disciplines, professional coaching, and equipment demonstration areas to encourage new participants.
Training Resources
We offer comprehensive online resources including technique videos, equipment guides, and training programs. Our materials cover sports wheelchair maintenance, fitness routines, and competition preparation, supporting both beginners and experienced athletes in their sporting journey.
Community Programs
Our community-focused programs connect participants with local sports clubs, volunteer opportunities, and peer support networks. Initiatives include school partnerships, regional competitions, and ambassador programs featuring Paralympic athletes to inspire new participants.
People
Martin McElhatton OBE
Chief Executive
With over 25 years' experience at Wheelpower, Martin combines Paralympic athletic achievement with charity leadership. He represented GB in wheelchair basketball at the 1984 Games and now directs our strategic vision for disability sports development.
Kevan Baker OBE
Chairman
A four-time Paralympian and former world champion, Kevan has led Wheelpower since 1996. His expertise in athletics and disability advocacy shapes our commitment to expanding sports access for physically impaired individuals.
Joyce Sheard
Treasurer
With 40 years of service, Joyce oversees financial governance while maintaining active involvement in powerlifting as an IPC Category 1 referee. Her work spans four Paralympic Games and numerous international competitions.
Louise Hunt Skelley
Ambassador
A Paralympic wheelchair tennis representative from London 2012, Louise champions youth engagement. She discovered disability sport at age 5 through our junior games and now inspires new generations through speaking engagements.
Chris Rattenbury
Speaker
Former international powerlifter Chris has represented England at the Commonwealth Games. He has delivered over 40,000 Wheelpower presentations, sharing his sporting journey to promote disability inclusion.
Questions
What sports does WheelPower offer for wheelchair users?
We provide over 40 wheelchair sports including basketball, tennis, rugby, archery, and adaptive fitness activities.
Are there online exercise options available?
Yes, we offer free weekly online classes including yoga, box-fit, and general fitness sessions via Zoom.
How can I attend WheelPower sports events?
Our national festivals in Buckinghamshire, Yorkshire, and Middlesex welcome participants aged 5+ with physical disabilities.
Do you provide equipment guidance for wheelchair sports?
We offer advice on sports wheelchair selection, maintenance, and funding options through our specialist advisors.
How can businesses support WheelPower's mission?
Corporate partnerships include team-building events, speaker bookings, and sponsorship opportunities for our programs.
What training resources exist for new participants?
Our website features free exercise videos, technique guides, and 'Getting Started' resources for beginners.
Videos
