Dashing through the fake snow at Dorney Lake, hundreds of people with disabilities celebrated in true superhero style at Winter Wonderwheels on Sunday.
December 7 saw this week’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and local people knew just how to rise to the occasion.
Winter Wonderwheels (powered by Marvel) gives people with disabilities the chance to show what they can do (not what they can’t) and celebrate what makes them different.
Now in its ninth year, this fabulously festive mass-participation disability sports event is a Christmas family tradition for those taking part.
As Cheryl Ferguson, mother of Lucy, 21, who has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy explains: “Lucy loves the event so much, our family hasn’t missed one since it began in 2017.
“We make sure we put the date in the diary before anything else is booked for the run-up to Christmas.”
In the ultimate Superhero Santa Dash, for people with disabilities and their families, participants cycle, run, walk, wheel or push to complete their chosen distance: the 1KM Lakeside Dash; 5km Once Round the Lake or 10km Twice Round the Lake.
The event’s ‘anything goes’ approach actively encourages adaptive kit and support from Sidekicks (friends and family members) to help people cover the distance.
There are no cut-off times and all types of gadgets and gizmos are welcome on the course – from day chairs, handcycles and trikes to tandems, race runners and bikes.
This year, Santa started each wave against the backdrop of Rock Choir and a brass band performing festive music.
People were kept warm and entertained in the heated marquee where super partners providing mince pies, hot chocolate, face painting and a glitter station.
Sophia Warner, founder of the Superhero Series including Winter Wonderwheels, said:
“We celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in style at Winter Wonderwheels with hundreds turning out in superhero, Santa and festive outfits to enjoy the thrill of mass-participation inclusive sport.
“Winter can be a difficult time for people with disabilities to access outdoor activity, but Winter Wonderwheels gives them a great platform to enjoy sport safely in a fully inclusive, supported environment.
“For many families, Winter Wonderwheels heralds the start of their festive season and it’s always a joy to see this amazing community come together to share the fun.”
Next year will be the 10th anniversary of the Superhero Series powered by Marvel, which includes the summer Superhero Tri and Winter Wonderwheels.
Sign up and save the day at www.superheroseries.co.uk
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