Powerchairs in Sport

My name is Jack Maguire and I attend Brigshaw High School. I am writing a blog about power wheelchair football and my experience with the sport. I am a wheelchair user myself so writing a blog about my experience is relevant to me, I enjoy sports and find it fascinating to see how people with disabilities can adapt and join in, for example I watched a person drive his wheelchair and it was controlled by his eyes.

Power assisted wheelchair with modified bumper on front used by Leeds Powerchair Football Club for training and games. This is the older type of chair used, they now use a more advanced chair. Donated to Leeds Museums and Galleries by the club in 2022.

What is a power wheelchair?

A power wheelchair is a motorized chair that was made for the aid of veterans after World War 2. Scientists developed the power wheelchair to enable the injured soldiers to carry on with their daily lives. The chairs go from manual to having assisted technology to accessible vehicles.

The power wheelchair was invented by Canadian George Klein in 1953. Today powered wheelchairs are used for aiding people with physical disabilities to enjoy everyday life. They are also used in sports for example wheelchair football, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair netball and wheelchair basketball.

Power wheelchair used by footballers

This is a power wheelchair which footballers use. This type of chair is very responsive, compared to a normal powered wheelchair and costs £5,000. They also have a guard to protect the user from being hurt.

My experience

I recently joined a wheelchair football team to see what doors it would open for me. I went and had a wheelchair assessment and they decided that my wheelchair couldn’t be adapted because my chair is moulded to my shape. I am disappointed as I think I would have enjoyed the experience.

I feel there should more opportunities for wheelchair users to have their wheelchairs adapted as I am limited to what sports I can do in my chair. This is really frustrating for myself and other wheelchair users who may be in my situation.

Back view of power assisted wheelchair used by Leeds Powerchair Football Club.

By Jack Maguire, work experience student at Leeds Museums & Galleries.