British Wheelchair Racing Association (BWRA)

The British Wheelchair Racing Association (BWRA) was formed by athletes in order to promote wheelchair racing in Great Britain. Today, the organisation governs, promotes and supports wheelchair racing across the British Isles.

The BWRA plays an important role in educating the public about disabled athletes and sport, in particular with respect to wheelchair racing. The association also promotes the development of wheelchair racing in Britain through a variety of training programmes and other services.

About Wheelchair Racing

Wheelchair racing is open to a variety of athletes. Competitors are considered seated athletes with severe lower limb impairment. These athletes are often individuals with spinal injuries. The sport is also open to amputees, athletes with cerebral palsy and individuals who are partially sighted with another disability. Some of the earliest wheelchair sporting events in the United Kingdom took place in 1923. It was in that year that staff and paraplegic former servicemen at the Royal Star and Garter Home in Richmond participated in an obstacle course race.

Since 1960, wheelchair racing has been part of the first Paralympics in Rome. Wheelchair racing has been part of every Paralympics since then, with track events including 100, 200, 400, 800, 1,500, 5,000 and 10,000 metre races. Events also include the 4x100 metre and 4x400 metre relays, and a marathon. Competitors can reach speeds of 30 kilometres or more when racing.

Wheelchair racing equipment has evolved significantly since the early days of the sport. Beginning in the 1970s, athletes modified wheelchairs for specific sports including road and track racing. Lighter and more versatile, modern racing wheelchairs feature advanced technology and are designed specifically for competitive wheelchair racing. Chairs are typically made from lightweight aluminium alloy and are often customised for each individual athlete.

BWRA's Mission

Founded in 1989, the British Wheelchair Racing Association (BWRA) is the governing body for wheelchair racing in Great Britain. The BWRA plays a role in promoting participation for disabled people in wheelchair racing. The association also promotes equality for disabled people in road and track racing, as well as awareness for the sport. The voluntary organisation also governs wheelchair racing in Great Britain, including events held within Britain. The majority of the association's operations are funded by donations.

BWRA's Role in Sport Development

The British Wheelchair Racing Association plays a significant role in developing the sport of wheelchair racing in Great Britain. This includes the development of youth and adult athletes. The BWRA also organised the National Wheelchair Racing Championships. This event brings together national and international athletes at various levels and ages. It is held annually at the Stoke Mandeville Stadium, which also serves as the National Centre for Disability Sport. The stadium was the home of the Stoke Mandeville Games, which were founded in 1948 and served as a predecessor for the Paralympic Games.

In addition to organising the National Wheelchair Racing Championships, the BWRA supports the development of wheelchair racing in Britain through year-round events and activities. These activities include providing support and advice to the association's members on all aspects of the sport, including coaching and development. The organisation also puts on grass roots information sessions, as well as try-out events for prospective members and competitors.

Other Services

The BWRA provides organisations with a variety of services related to wheelchair racing. In addition to general advice and information on the sport, the association also offers technical advice wheelchair racing. These advisory services include road or track course assessments. The BWRA also provides advice on project and event feasibility, materials review and reporting, and policy, strategy and planning.

Throughout the year, the BWRA develops customised training and courses for organisations and individuals. The goal of this service is to increase knowledge and competitiveness. This is done through inspirational talks, mentoring and media awareness. Training programmes and courses also promote disability and sporting awareness. These courses and training programmes are also used to help organisations develop and deliver services for disabled people in Britain.

BWRA Contact Information

For more information about the British Wheelchair Racing Association, visit www.bwra.co.uk. Enquires for additional information should be directed to the association's secretary, Ian Thompson, at i-thompson@hotmail.co.uk. Alternatively, call the BWRA's office on 01642 789362.