The Inter Spinal Unit Games 13th to 15th September 2022
13th September saw the return of WheelPower’s Inter Spinal Unit Games, the first one since 2019 due to the pandemic.
The games are held at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the “Birthplace of the Paralympic Movement” and the national centre for disability sport. The games are set up for spinal injured patients who are within one year of their injury, but because of the pandemic, this year welcomed new and older injuries. This meant that over 80 participants from 11 spinal units across the country came together to take part.
Fletchers were proud to sponsor the Southport team at the games. Wearing their choice of yellow, the team could be quickly picked out amongst their competitors.
The programme was action packed, starting with some taster sessions with the competition promptly starting the next day. There was a huge array of activities on offer; including swimming, table tennis, boccia, badminton, shooting, archery, handcycling and wheelchair racing.
The Southport team were fantastic; ending up 4th overall, out of 11 teams. One of the team even got scouted by the Paralympics GB shooting team. The ultimate test of accuracy and skill; watch this space, we could have a new Gold medalist in the making!
Helen, who was representing the Southport Spinal Unit said:
“I have felt on top of the world this week at the Inter Spinal Unit Games. I haven’t been around many wheelchair users back in Manchester and coming to Stoke Mandeville feels like I am home. I’ve done so much that I didn’t think I’d be good at, and I feel really proud of myself and my abilities.” (Wheelpower)
Kirsty Thomas, Head of Charities and Partnerships at Fletchers, went to support the Southport team and here’s what she had to say:
“I was lucky enough to travel down to the Stoke Mandeville Stadium with the Southport team. One by one, each of the competitors arrived ready for the bus journey ahead. All from different backgrounds, with different stories to tell, but all coming together to unite as one team for the Games. The energy on the bus was like no other, nerves, excitement, anticipation of what was ahead. Friendships were quickly formed on that journey and a new team bonded! Hosted by WheelPower, the national charity for wheelchair sport, the Games form an essential part of many patients’ rehabilitation. Stoke Mandeville Stadium offers a great platform to explore and discover the benefits of sport and activity, whilst in a safe environment with friends. The team grew in confidence each day and left with memories to last a lifetime”.
Our Spinal Injury Team
We have a dedicated team of experts who have specialised in serious spinal cord injury cases for a number of years. Through our experience, we have developed a unique understanding of how a spinal cord injury affects not just the injured person; but their wider family and support network too. This is why we work closely with each of our clients to support them through their individual journey; which often means working with our partners to address day-to-day care, transport needs, rehabilitation, suitable living arrangements and physiotherapy.
We are passionate about supporting those who have experienced a spinal ‘cord’ injury. Our specialist team has a wealth of experience in. Our team has over the years experienced managing spinal cord injury cases, which means you can rest assured that you have the best legal minds on your case.