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'.

Does he Play or is he a coach it looks absolutely terrifying 😃

My children’s mainstream primary school played wheelchair sports in games one afternoon; a coach came to teach them for a special session. It hadn’t occurred to me that anyone might be offended (certainly the coach wasn’t!) If anything I think it gave the children a new respect for wheelchair users and for wheelchair sports. The more we normalise all skills and abilities, the better it is for everyone imo.

I can tell you that trying to use a pushchair on public transport and in our ancient city centre really drummed home to me how difficult just getting around can be for those who use mobility aids. Even the bloody pavement wasn’t wide enough!

@Mrsjayy He plays! And it's brutal!!!!!! 😩

Because I personally find celebs, royal or not, who have not lived an experience like our family's and try to 'shine a light on the experience' self-serving and not genuine. On the contrary I have always found people who have had the experience and talk about it a lot more compelling and serve a better purpose representing families with disabled kids/other family members than someone who comes for 5 minutes to take nice photos.
I understand some people dont mind as is their right, as is mine to not appreciate it.

Was I meant to post about it on a cooking board then?
I saw there is a royal board and saw something related. It's really not that deep.

If you go by the notion that only people with lived experience understands anything then that's a closed off world.

Although I do think some celebrities will do anything to raise their profile I don't think it's the case with Princess ofwales sitting in a wheelchair playing rugby I mean how many people knew you could play wheelchair rugby?. Prince Harry is I think passionate about the invicts games so of course he will be seen taking part. Para sport Is just sport and it should be enjoyed by all .

I don't think they're trying to shine a light on disability at these events at all - they're supporting a particular sport. They're using a special wheelchair to play rugby, not trying to navigate the high street.

oh no I'd watch from behind my hands!

really good post. I was not a fan of able bodied people using wheelchairs. but you have made me see it from another side. my dc is an adult fulltime wheelchair user. its a nightmare getting around.

I can see why many would feel it's inappropriate, but I think people with a high public profile do these sorts of things to raise awareness. Let's face it, the world is built for the able bodied. And most of us don't think about anything that doesn't directly impact us. A famous person highlighting a sport or charity or public service need is doing so because they have a louder voice than an everyday person on the street posting to their 50 followers. And a Royal isn't just highlighting areas out of the goodness of their heart; they're doing their job.

My son is an ambulatory wheelchair user and he would get a real kick out of seeing someone famous (that he recognises - he wouldn't have a clue who any of the royal family are!) use a wheelchair and have a go at wheelchair sport. He would view it along the same lines as being thrilled that lego has created lego people in wheelchairs and some of his playstation games have characters in wheelchairs i.e. 'they look like me'.

There's an event that's going to allow people to try out some adaptive sports! This looks like a great idea and opportunity for local people to try

Join Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 for Unconquered Sports Day!

"Celebrate the One Year to Go Countdown and try adaptive sports featured in the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 presented by ATCO.

This FREE Family Day event is open to all ages and abilities. Under the guidance of sport experts, attendees will rotate through stations including wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, indoor rowing and wheelchair curling.

Taking place on the Parade Square of the historic Seaforth Armoury, this sports day is a special opportunity to visit the home of the Seaforth Highlanders. Tours will be available throughout the day."

Sophie and Edward trying out adaptive cycling here

Sophie and Edward in Manchester

Inane, pointless thread.
Don't you realise royal visits are planned to the Nth degree; they fact find for months prior to visits.
Disability and other charities would have informed them what was and was not acceptable.
Why don't people do some research before posting

Answering my own post, I realise it's easier not to actually find out the facts/history, and that merely speculating is as good as being informed.
And the RF are fair game because 'i pay their wages'

Isn't it nicknamed Murderball because it can be so violent?

Yep!

In rehab we frequently played wheelchair basketball, floor volleyball, seated archery etc. It was to make us inclusive as I'm sure you are aware we have many soldiers with varying disabilities, amputations etc. They didn't see it as mockery, they seen us as fellow sportspeople who were willing to be on their level.

Didn't matter, they were always miles better than the able bodied, we had fun and it made us see life (obviously only a glimpse) from their perspective.