The Middlesbrough Sports Festival in association with Hollister and WheelPower is an inclusive event for anyone with a Spinal Cord Injury, Spina Bifida or Cauda Equina Syndrome to discover sport in a safe, welcoming and friendly environment.

Join us in Middlesbrough to try Boccia, Wheelchair Rugby, Wheelchair Basketball, Handcycling, and Archery. If you have any questions regarding this event please give us a call on 01296 395995 or email the Sports team via sport@wheelpower.org.uk

Esmay talks about her experience at our events

Date/Time:

18 August 2025 Registration is from 10.00am and the festival will finish at approximately 3.30pm.

Location

Middlesbrough Sports Village, Alan Peacock Way, Middlesbrough, TS4 3AE (Directions) There is plenty of free accessible parking on site. The venue has accessible toilets and changing facilities.

Cost:

We ask for a minimum donation of £5 to attend this event. With your donation we will continue to support physically disabled people to access sport.

Free Lunch & T-shirt:

  • A free lunch will be provided for participants only. There is a café on site for parents/carers/teachers to purchase lunch.
  • All participants will receive a FREE WheelPower T-shirt to wear on the day and to keep as a memento of your day with us.

Who is the Festival for?

The Middlesbrough WheelPower’s Sports Festival is open to anyone with a Spinal Cord Injury, Spina Bifida or Cauda Equina Syndrome, from the age of 5 years to Adult.

This is a family event and the whole family is welcome to take part in activities together.

“It’s my first time at a WheelPower Sports festival and it’s been a really good day. I’ve never done archery before and I managed to hit the bullseye which was amazing, I’ve never done pickleball either which was a lot of fun, and I even did a bit of boccia too. As well as the sport it’s just been fun meeting other people I’ve never met before and getting my competitiveness on!” Trish from London.

Sports and activities:

  • The Festival will include a variety of wheelchair sports. Confirmed sports include Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby, Boccia, Handcycling, and Archery.
  • These activities ​are all about having fun, learning new skills and receiving coaching – this may include a small element of competition but this is optional.
  • Everyone will be welcomed to take part and the sports and activities will be suitable for you at a level at which you will feel comfortable.
  • Each sport will last for 40 minutes but people can go at their own pace and have rests when needed.
  • All of our sports coaches have lots of experience in delivering activities to people who have different impairments and needs.
  • All people attending can discuss their needs and support with the Event Manager and sport coaches in a safe and private environment before starting an activity.
  • For some of the sports at the festival you will be required to use your own wheelchair. Please ensure, if applicable, that you bring a chair that you are willing to use in activities at the Festival. WheelPower’s sports wheelchairs will be available for certain sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the leisure centre accessible?

Yes we have taken every care to position our Sport Festivals at accessible venues with accessible toilets. Please note, there is likely to be limited accessible parking but the WheelPower staff and volunteers will be on hand to help.

Will there be hoists available?

Yes a hoist will be available but please bring your own sling.

Will there be sport wheelchairs to use and can I stay in my own chair?

Yes there will be sport wheelchairs available but you don’t have to use them if you don’t want to, however, for contact sports like Basketball, it is recommended to use the sport wheelchairs provided.

If I need a risk assessment signed by WheelPower who do I contact?

Please email sport@wheelpower.org.uk

Where can I find out more information?

Please email sport@wheelpower.org.uk and the WheelPower Sport Team will respond