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Wheelchair users enjoy taster day of power hockey

Wheelchair users were given an opportunity to explore contact sports at a power hockey taster day.

Power hockey is the powered-wheelchair version of field hockey played by individuals who often have cerebral palsy or Duchenne, chasing after a hockey-size ball with physical contact permitted.

The taster day at Greenbank, Liverpool, was attended by people from across the country who face challenges participating in other para-sports.

The pioneer of power hockey, Gerry Kinsella, was also present at the day-long event.

Ellis Palmer, a wheelchair power hockey player, said the sport is a great way to boost the confidence of people living with disability.

He said: “I took on power hockey a few months ago and I’ve loved it ever since. It’s been incredible, and to be honest, a great way of socializing and boosting confidence.”

Ellis Palmer in his Power Wheelchair. Image: Ellis Palmer

Regarding the future of the sport, Ellis stated: “I think there’s potential growth there. But with any sport involving people with disabilities, there are peculiarities.

“There’s always the expense, be it infrastructure – equipment, or information. For me, it’s about showing power hockey to as many people as possible – to get it out there.”

Power hockey started at Liverpool’s Greenbank Sports Academy in 2000 and is the only contact sport for electric wheelchair users, with an average chair costing around £5,000.

With eight active hubs across the UK, there are proposals to establish the Great Britain Power Hockey League in the coming months.

Feature Image by Emmanuel Etim

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