The "I Can Do This" Christmas Appeal

Every child deserves the chance to feel the buzz of sport – that moment of pride, laughter, and that “I can do this” moment. For many young disabled people, that moment starts with WheelPower. It’s where confidence grows, friendships begin, and lives change. This year, we’re sharing stories from some of the children you’ve helped to inspire – and from a teacher who’s seen his pupils light up at our events year after year. 

 12-year-old Jack and his dad, Mark are no strangers to the National Junior Games after first attending the event in 2024. A student at a mainstream school, when it comes to PE, Jack is included in the sessions, but they aren’t tailored to his needs to allow for full inclusion. Jack would love nothing more than to fully participate, and be treated the same as his friends, this is why the games provide a valuable opportunity for Jack to experience sport and physical activity alongside his peers.

Here is what Mark had to say about the National Junior Games.

“The National Junior Games have really opened Jack up to so many different sports. There are loads of opportunities and everything is so positive – everything is ‘you can do it! The games are well run, the staff can’t do enough for you, it’s really cost effective and great value for money. You can’t find these opportunities elsewhere.”

Donate now and allow a child to say “I can do this”

18 years old Josh was born with a break to his T6 vertebrae, but his passion for sport has never wavered. After discovering WheelPower at the age of nine, sport became an even bigger part of his life. Now, as he transitions out of junior participation, Josh returned to the National Junior Games in 2025 but this time, as a volunteer.  Josh has also recently started a role working at Stoke Mandeville Stadium as an Active Communities Coordinator.

Here is what Josh had to say about WheelPower.

 The Village School has proudly participated in the National Junior Games for the past 15 years. Leading the charge every year is Samuel Nash, a dedicated sports instructor who has been involved since the school’s first appearance at the event. The National Junior Games offers a rare and valuable opportunity for students from The Village School to engage in sports and activities that would otherwise be unavailable due to limited resources or funding.

Here is what Samuel had to say about the National Junior Games.

“Coming to the National Junior Games provides the students with an opportunity to try different sports and activities which the school may not be able to provide without getting an agency in to provide the activity… It provides them with time away from school, time away from home. For me, bringing them here is about independence, it’s about them trying a whole range of different sports, but it’s also about making choices. They are getting the whole experience of being around their friends and meeting new people.”

Your support makes these life-changing moments possible. Every gift transforms the lives of thousands of children like Jack, helping them discover confidence; young people like Josh, helping them find their passion; and schools like The Village School; opening new worlds of opportunity. This Christmas, you can continue to break down barriers and light up lives through the power of sport. Together, we can ensure that every child, whatever their ability, experiences the buzz, pride, laughter, and the joy of saying “I can do this.”

Donate Now & change lives in 2026