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

Join us in Middlesbrough to try Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby plus more!  … 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

Date/Time:

Thursday 7 August 2025 Registration is from 9.30am and the festival will finish at approximately 3.00pm.

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 packed 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 or Spina Bifida, from the age of 5 years to Adult. Please note that activities will be split into appropriate age groups.

If any siblings want to attend as well to enable them to take part in the activities together then they are more than welcome – just let us know.

“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
  • 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.