Going for Gold

Inclusive Games 2025 – what a day!

We’re still smiling after our brilliant Inclusive Games event! On Tuesday 26th August, Woking Sportsbox was absolutely buzzing as more than 100 people came together for a full day of accessible sports.

A day of sport for all

From the start, it was clear this would be a day to remember. Everywhere you looked, people were trying different sports, cheering each other on, and celebrating every win. Across the day, participants of all ages enjoyed Boccia, walking football, table cricket facilitated by Surrey Cricket, golf with Get Golfing, and a wide range of adapted bikes with Wheels for All – there really was something for everyone!

We’ve had some brilliant feedback from attendees, including Mikey, who threw himself into the football and told us:

“It was very good, I like the football because I scored lots of goals and I won a gold medal!”

Trying new things

The event offered an exciting new experience for Eleanor and her younger sister Phoebe. Eleanor, who has severe learning disabilities and autism, hasn’t been able to use a standard bike – but with Wheels for All, she and Phoebe jumped on an adapted double bike and rode together! Their mum told us:

“Both girls really loved the cycling with Wheels for All. I’ve never seen Eleanor cycle before as it’s not something she can do on a standard bike. Watching her and her sister ride an adapted double bike together was so special.

This sort of activity would be impossible for Eleanor to attend if it was mainstream, so it was great to be able to do this in an inclusive, supportive environment with such great, accessible facilities. We are really grateful to LinkAble for hosting this fantastic event.”

Help from our corporate partner

We were delighted to welcome our long-term supporter, The Fidelis Foundation, who provided energetic volunteers from The Fidelis Partnership to help out. Simon Crone reflected on the day:

“It was wonderful to be able to assist LinkAble at this fantastic event. Personally, I enjoyed helping with the tandem cycling and table cricket. It was brilliant to see so many smiling faces and hear so much laughter as participants tried new activities for the first time.”

Chance Zacheis, from The Fidelis Partnership, did a fantastic job facilitating the Walking Football matches, and added:

“It was a brilliant day of fun, inclusivity and learning new skills! The competition on the walking football pitch was fierce, and it was great to see so many smiles on the LinkAble members’ faces.”

Community support made it possible

Behind the scenes, it took a community effort to make the Games happen. The event wouldn’t have been possible without our partnership with Freedom Leisure and their ongoing support. A £1,000 donation from Seymours Estate Agents also helped to bring the event to life.

Volunteers from Active Surrey and FE fundinfo were absolute stars on the day and supported attendees to get involved.

The medal ceremony

The day ended on a high with medals awarded by Will Forster MP and the Mayor of Woking, Cllr Amanda Boothe. It was the perfect way to wrap up a celebration that really showed what inclusion is all about.

Our CEO, Sue, summed it up perfectly:

“The atmosphere was electric, and seeing so many people of different abilities taking part together was fantastic. With such high demand, we’ll definitely be back in 2026 – even bigger and better.”

More opportunities to play

The good news is you don’t have to wait until next year! Our Boccia Club runs every Tuesday at Woking Sportsbox, and it’s a brilliant way to keep the Games spirit going all year round. Come and have a go – we’d love to see you there!