Superhero Series is the UK’s one and only sporting event for everyday superheroes. Suitable for any disability and their sidekicks, with no restrictions on equipment or cut-off times – founder Sophia Warner explains why the event is so important.
This year’s Winter Wonderwheels event, powered by npower, takes place at Dorney Lake in Windsor on 2 December. Participants can cycle, walk, run, or push anything a 1km, 5km or 10km route around the lake.
Paralympian Sophia Warner started the series after she struggled to find events she could take part in.
SPORT FOR FUN
“I have always been a big lover of sport and love taking part in mass participation events, but it became increasingly tricky to find things that I could do,” says Sophia. “It takes the fun out of it. I wanted to create a sort of tough mudder for people with a disability so that they could enjoy sport for fun.”
The event is more than throwing bean bags through a hoop says Sophia: “I’ve never been to disability taster days where I think ‘I’d love to have a go at that.’ It’s exciting sport for fun not competition.” The ‘anything goes’ ethos of the event means it is an opportunity to try something new that might have seemed impossible before.
My fave personal pic of the day! My gorgeous son pushing my friend's daughter! They are both so happy! ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/1K7rXSO1cY
— Sophia Warner (@SprintingSophia) August 20, 2017
INSPIRATION
For Sophia, the everyday heroes taking part in the event are the inspiration to make it bigger and better every year. “Some people haven’t done any sport before and have kept coming back, and now exercise has become part of their life,” she says. “It’s the look on people’s faces when they cross the finish line – that’s my favourite part.”
Each event has celebrity team captains lead the way. This year’s Winter Wonderwheels line-up includes JJ Chalmers, Sophie Christiansen, Dave Henson and Jonnie Peacock. The event is slower paced than its summertime counterpart so participants will get the chance to chat with their team captains.
“It’s going to be a real personal prize,” Sophia adds. “People can wheel all the way round the lake with the team captains, rather than feel rushed. I like Winter Wonderwheels because it’s more intimate, they can chat and get to know each other.”
FESTIVITIES
Participants are encouraged to dress up as their favourite superhero for the event, or add a touch of sparkle to their outfit in the lead up to Christmas. The festivities will be in full swing at the event Sophia says: “Father Christmas will be at the finish line, we want to make the day as silly and fun as we can. We’re getting carol singers, Christmas things to eat, lots of festive fun.”
Already working on your outfit or still unsure if you should take part, give it a chance encourages
Sophia: “Come down and do it, look at it with a different vision. Whether people are sporty or not they can come.”
Grab your best cape, sidekick and festive cheer – Dorney Lake is waiting.
25% off tickets
We’ve teamed up with Superhero Series to give Enable readers an exclusive discount code for the event. Visit www.superheroseries.co.uk and use the code ENABLE25 to register now