Held annually at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the WheelPower Inter Spinal Unit Games are a vital part of the rehabilitation journey for many people with spinal cord injuries.
Each year, over 100 patients and 60 support staff from 14 Spinal Injury Centres and Specialist Units across the UK come together at the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement for a week of sport, activity, and discovery.
Participants receive expert coaching and demonstrations from top wheelchair athletes and coaches in more than 20 sports, including:
Archery
Wheelchair Rugby
Athletics
Fencing
Wheelchair Basketball
Powerlifting
Boccia
Swimming
Shooting
Wheelchair Tennis
For many, it’s their first experience outside of a hospital since their injury. The Games offer a powerful introduction to the possibilities of life after injury – showing what can be achieved through sport, and how physical activity can support independence, confidence, and a healthy lifestyle.
Check out the action from a previous Games.
"The Inter Spinal Unit Games have really inspired me! I have a new ambition, and can see how staying active and healthy through accessible sports can give me that drive that I need to get out of the house and meet new people."
Ben, Southport
"Get here, 100 per cent, don’t miss it! It is a great opportunity to get into sports, there is so many to try. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough to anyone, I think it’s a fantastic event and I would definitely encourage everyone to come to try it out."
Chris, Stanmore
The Inter Spinal Unit Games are open only to current spinal patients who are part of a participating spinal unit team. Individuals cannot enter independently. Teams are selected by the spinal units and their Physical Activity Advisors.
If you are an adult who isn’t in a Spinal Unit but would like to try out a range of sports then check out our Sports Festivals, a great alternative to the Inter Spinal Unit Games.
Written by Martin McElhatton OBE – Chief Executive of WheelPower
When I first started at WheelPower in 1988, I remember Jean Stone MBE, our Sports Administrator, and Harry Metcalfe, the remedial gymnast at the National Spinal Injuries Centre in Stoke Mandeville, developing the idea of a competition between spinal units. It was a concept deeply rooted in the history of the Paralympic Movement and the first Stoke Mandeville Games held in July 1948.
The new Inter Spinal Unit Games were supported by the Marchday Charitable Fund and brought together patients and staff from spinal units across the United Kingdom, with an invitation also extended to the spinal unit in Dublin. Each team of up to eight participants had the opportunity to try a range of sports and compete for the coveted Marchday Shield, awarded to the winning unit.
Over the years, the Games have become a regular fixture in WheelPower’s calendar. While the focus is on participation, raising awareness of sporting opportunities for people with spinal cord injuries, and offering a valuable social experience, the event has also seen several participants go on to compete in national competitions – and even become Paralympians.
In 2026 we will celebrate the 37th edition of the Inter Spinal Unit Games. With an estimated 4,400 people paralysed each year in the UK, these Games continue to play a vital role in rehabilitation. Over the past 36 years they have supported thousands of individuals.
The excitement and empowerment that sport can bring to newly paralysed people is what drives WheelPower to keep delivering this life-changing event for many years to come.
The Jean Stone trophy will be awarded to the spinal unit with the highest number of points accumulated from taster sessions and competitions.
Three points will be awarded to spinal units for each sport they experience during the week. The majority of these sports will be available as taster sessions throughout the event. Points will be awarded for the top three placed individuals within each competition as follows:
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