Sport is extremely important for wheelchair user. As well as a range of health benefits, it is instrumental in building confidence, reducing stress, encouraging independence and giving people goals to focus on. Most people are not born with a disability and therefore coming to terms with their disability can be very difficult. If you are very active and then suddenly find yourself facing life in a wheelchair, then it can be very difficult. Wheelchair sports enable individuals to continue participating and getting everything out of sports and exercise that they used to.

Popular wheelchair sports

Wheelchair sports have becoming increasingly popular over the course of the last decade, thanks to a more inclusive sports policy, media coverage of major disabled sporting events and increased access to sporting facilities. The most popular wheelchair sports include:

Wheelchair basketball

Wheelchair basketball is one of the fastest-growing disabled sports in the UK. The sport has been around for many years, with wheelchair basketball being one of the most popular spectator sports in the Paralympic Games. It is also included in the Paralympic World Cup. Wheelchair basketball is now played in leisure centres and sport centres across the UK.

Wheelchair tennis

Wheelchair tennis is very similar to traditional tennis but the ball is allowed to bounce twice, rather than once. Every other rule is the same. Wheelchair tennis has been around since 1976 and participation has been growing even since. The sport is a popular component of the Paralympic Games programme and there are now more disabled tennis clubs than even before.

Wheelchair rugby

Wheelchair rugby is a fast-paced sport, which involves teams of four players. The aim of the game is to get the ball over the opponent’s goal line. Physical contact between players is not allowed but the wheelchairs can touch each other.

Wheelchair racing

Wheelchair racing is very popular – it can involve sprints, middle distances, long distance and marathons. The aim of the sport is to complete the distance as quickly as possible. Wheelchair racing requires strength, endurance and stamina. The sport is one of the most popular events at the Paralympic Games, attracting huge live and television audiences.

Elite wheelchair sports

Many people excel at wheelchair sports and there is a variety of elite competitions and events both in the UK and abroad. The pinnacle of the competition circuit for all events is the Paralympic Games, which is held every four years – the subsequent games will be held next year in London. There is funding available for elite sports, and athletes with potential are often supported and sponsored by charities, sports organisation and the National Lottery.