STEPS Rehabilitation proudly supported a team of four clients with spinal cord injuries, as they competed in the prestigious 2024 WheelPower Inter Spinal Unit Games held at Stoke Mandeville Stadium. This annual event gathers over 100 participants from across the UK, creating a unique environment for adaptive sports, skill development, and empowerment through competition.
What made the occasion even more special, was that this was the first time STEPS Rehabilitation had entered a team in the Games. It was great to see so many clients not just enjoying, but excelling in a number of different sports, achieving incredible personal milestones while showing great sportsmanship and resilience.
Meet Our Inspiring STEPS Rehabilitation Team
After Lead Therapist Jamie Storey submitted the team application, we began reaching out to clients with spinal injuries at STEPS to gauge their interest in participating. Each client was then assessed by our team to confirm they met the necessary fitness and independence requirements for the programme.
The STEPS team comprised four clients, Graham, Josh, Vanessa, and Liam, who were supported by staff members Joe, Pete, and Leah.
- Graham came to STEPS in July 2024 after sustaining multiple injuries in a road traffic accident. A keen cyclist before his injury, Graham loved taking part in the Games, particularly enjoying archery, swimming, and wheelchair rugby.
- Josh arrived at STEPS in August 2024 following a spinal cord injury in late 2023. An active sports enthusiast prior to his accident, Josh excelled in swimming and table tennis and has since been approached by several adaptive sports groups.
- Vanessa sustained her spinal injury in 2016 and following rehabilitation at STEPS, achieved remarkable results at the Games, including placing third in table tennis overall and reaching a personal swimming milestone.
- Liam, an avid triathlete and fireman prior to his injury, returned to his role in the fire service after his accident and now trains with a racing wheelchair at the Weir Archer Academy. He performed brilliantly at the Games, participating across multiple events.
Achievements and Memorable Moments
The Games, held from 23rd to 26th September 2024, included a broad range of sporting activities such as archery, wheelchair rugby, swimming, boccia, powerlifting, shooting and more. The team participated in every sport available, excelling in a number of competitions, particularly the swimming competition, where both Josh and Graham placed second in their heats. The team also performed exceptionally well in table tennis, with Vanessa finishing in third place overall.
“Other than supporting the clients during each event, one of the most memorable moments of the Games was in the pool when Graham supported Vanessa, helping her to swim 100 metres on her back for the first time since her injury.” – Joseph Nourse
The Power of Adaptive Sports in Recovery
The WheelPower Inter Spinal Unit Games provide more than just a friendly competition. For individuals recovering from spinal cord injuries, the Games offer an experience that encourages confidence, independence, and a sense of achievement. Many participants uncover new passions, the opportunity to compete at a higher level, and the extensive possibilities that adaptive sports present, all within an inclusive and supportive environment.
“We were all so proud of the STEPS clients, who showed great sportsmanship, a competitive edge, and also took the time to encourage other competing teams – really inspirational.” – Joseph Nourse
Future Ambitions Sparked by the Games
As a result of the Games, many STEPS clients are now pursuing new adapted sporting opportunities. Vanessa has been exploring competitive table tennis, and Josh has started further training with Paddle UK in Nottingham. Paddle UK also recognises and supports the Norwich Canoe Club where former STEPS client and gold medal-winning adaptive para-canoeist Shaun Cook trains. Josh has also attended kayaking sessions and received invitations to other sports such as triathlon and shooting.
Graham, who has a walking spinal cord injury, found the Games deeply inspiring. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, "The team at STEPS Rehabilitation has been amazing. They don’t just support us through our rehabilitation programme; they’re constantly finding new ways for us to get involved in activities that I’d never have considered trying. With their encouragement and the right support, I’ve been able to explore so many sports and outdoor activities alongside my residential programme. They’ve truly opened my eyes to what’s possible and given me the confidence to keep challenging myself.”
Expanding Adaptive Sports Opportunities
At STEPS Rehabilitation, we continuously seek out new activities to enhance and support our clients' rehabilitation journeys. Building on the recent successes at the Inter Spinal Unit Games, our team is looking at ways to expand our offerings with additional adaptive sports activities, including Boccia tournaments and by attending events like the Yorkshire WheelPower Sports Festival in Sheffield on 30th January 2025.
Stay updated on our clients’ journeys and future events by following STEPS on social media.