Giving Back Through Volunteering
For the many young wheelchair users attending the WheelPower National Junior Sports Festival, the opportunity to try new sports is only part of the experience. Just as important are the people they meet along the way, volunteers, coaches and role models who understand first-hand what living with a disability can mean.
One of those volunteers this year was Andy, a wheelchair rugby player from Oxford, who gave up his spare time to help more young people discover sport, build confidence and find a sense of community. Andy has been playing wheelchair rugby since 2017. Looking back, he describes getting involved in sport as a hugely important turning point.
“For me it made such a big difference, meeting other disabled people from the disability community,” he explained during the festival. That experience of finding connection and belonging through sport is one of the reasons Andy wanted to volunteer with WheelPower.
“Because of that I felt that I wanted to give back and work with WheelPower to help people find new sports.”
Away from sport, Andy works at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford. His professional experience, combined with his own lived experience as a wheelchair user, gave him a unique perspective while supporting families and young participants throughout the event.
Watching the festival unfold, Andy said he was struck by the atmosphere in the sports hall and the range of activities available.
“I think it’s just been amazing, seeing all of the kids get to try all these different sports, seeing the connections they are making, and the range of sports that’s on offer is absolutely amazing. I feel that there really is something for everyone here today.”
The Importance of Visible Role Models
For WheelPower, volunteers play a vital role in making events like the National Junior Sports Festival possible. But Andy believes there is an added significance when young disabled people see wheelchair users volunteering, coaching and leading activities.
“If you can’t see it, then you don’t believe it’s possible,” he said.
“Being able to be a very visible disabled person in these different roles here shows these young wheelchair users and their parents, that they can go on and do very good things.”
That sense of visibility and possibility sits at the heart of the National Junior Sports Festival. For many families, attending the event is the first time they have seen so many adaptive sports in one place, or met adults with disabilities thriving in work, sport and everyday life.
Volunteers like Andy help bring that experience to life.
About the National Junior Sports Festival
The WheelPower National Junior Sports Festival brings together young people with physical disabilities from across the UK to experience a wide range of wheelchair sports in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment. The event introduces participants to new activities, builds confidence and creates opportunities for friendships and long-term involvement in sport.
Alongside specialist coaches and support teams, volunteers remain a vital part of delivering the event each year.
