Royals in wheelchairs trying to do sports

[Wouldyouguess]

I was just looking thourgh photos of Harry and Megan taking wheelchair curling lesson somewhere. I remember seeing a similar type of even where the Princess of Wales was also doing some sport of event trying it out in a wheelchair (wheelchair rugby)
I know this is probably a way to look 'inclusive' but I also find it quite offensive to me as someone who has a disabled person in family to see able bodied people 'having a go' at being disabled for 10 minutes and going 'oh this must be so tough', 'power to you disabled people you're so inspiring'.

While I previously was under the understanding that people use wheelchairs with varying levels of disability to allow for accessibility - the consensus from this thread is that it is always wrong to use disability aids if you are able bodied.

At worst it’s a misguided attempt at inclusion and empathy. I can’t get worked up over it.

Yeah it gives me the similar vibe of white saviours going to 'help' poor Africa children for photo ops. Dont know why in 2023 we still have members of the Royal Family and the peripheric royals doing a play pretend on a wheelchair.

I don't think there really is a consensus on that thread. Several people have said that some wheelchair sports actually invite able-bodied people to participate if they don't have enough wheelchair users. Others who identify as having a disability say it doesn't bother them. But generally speaking, as someone who often has to use a cane to walk, I do think it raises some questions, and I would prefer not seeing able-bodied people trying out mobility aids as a frolic of some kind.

What does the person in your family think? It's not for you to be offended.

Personally, working in the industry alongside children and adults they're almost always thrilled when sport events give opportunities for others to try out the wheelchairs they use for sport alongside them. A great way to raise and promote awareness and inclusion and sometimes funding.

Nobody is pretending to be disabled.

Sophie Wessex was pictured doing the same about a fortnight ago.

I used to do a wheelchair sport although I am mobile. anyway we used to be trained by an able bodied coach and they would use a wheelchair to practise and train. I don't think the royals having a go at sit skiing or wheelchair rugby is in anyway offensive, it's not as if they are using wheelchairs to get about or "pretending" to be disabled.

The Royals always have a go at whatever the sport / activity is. Wouldn't it be worse if they were happy to play hockey / basketball / do colouring with small children but refused to try wheelchair curling? That really would be singling out wheelchair users as "other".

This seems another oddly timed and pointless thread!

I agree with this, I think it exemplifies the skill and dexterity of those performing the sport when someone who doesn't have that practice or skill attempts to do it alongside.

Wheelchair rugby is designed to be played by anyone to make it inclusive and there are able bodied players (to use the terminology of the governing body, not intended to offend) on every team. Therefore I can't see an issue with anyone playing, royal or not.

It's actually pretty brutal as a sport!

Why start this thread now? Why not when Kate did it or other royals did it...but now? Strange why it had to be Harry doing it for you to finally be offended enough

I'm not the biggest PH fan he is a PR nightmare but I do think he is genuinely invested in the invictus games and their sports people and him showing an interest in their sport is the same as taking an interest/having a go at an able-bodied sporting competition.

Good question. If there is any sort of consensus on that thread referenced above, it is that it was okay for Catherine to do it, but not Harry. Quelle surprise.

I was about to point this out!

As someone in a wheelchair / totally unable to weight bare, I'm pleased every time I see someone trying a disability sport.

They aren't pretending to be disabled. Often it will give them an insight they wouldn't get just talking to the disabled sportsman.

That insight is so useful and valuable across the board in so many other settings.

Harry was showcasing a sport as publicity for his charity that supports disabled veterans.

Why was Kate playing wheelchair rugby?

I got roped into help set up an event for wheelchair basketball
they told me to have ago

princess of Wales Is patron of Rugby league England isn't she? it was something to do with women in Rugby that event and the team were about to go to tournament , why shouldn't she have a go?

I'm a wheelchair user and I think everyone should try a chair out for a day or two to find out what it's really like.

My mother used to get frustrated with me when pushing me around that I'd insist on going around certain road textures or go a long way down a street to a lower dropped curb to cross. Then she broke her ankle and sprained the other and had to use one for a week until she could move to crutches. Now she fully understands how unsafe those things feel for me and how awkward it can be to get around.

Plus it feels like an open secret between wheelchair users but they can be very fun - speeds barely past walking speed can feel almost like a fairground ride and I love going down hills!

Because I didnt know about the Royal board back then. It did strike me as odd at that time and I thought of it again now.

I dont think it is either OK for everyone or not OK for everyone to do it, I found it weird when Princess of Wales did it too.
Maybe the intent has been genuine in both cases or maybe both are just PR stunts. Hence my post.

Sadly they are non verbal, so I dont know what they think.

able bodied people 'having a go' at being disabled for 10 minutes and going 'oh this must be so tough', 'power to you disabled people you're so inspiring'.

I don't think that's the vibe with these events at all, I think it's more "ooh sport, fun!", there never seems to be any remotely pitying or inspiration porn feeling which would be off. They're all sporty people and Kate in particular seems to enjoy events where she gets to try out a new sport.

Harry and Meghan aren't representing the RF though. They're out. Doing whatever they want.

And why do you get to be offended on a wheelchair user's behalf? Isn't that more of a white saviour thing?