“I wanted to create a sporting event where people with all kinds of disabilities feel part of a strong community and, crucially, where they can feel confident they’ll be part of the majority rather than the minority.”
Paralympian and Superhero Series Founder Sophia Warner
The UK’s one and only disability sports series for the everyday superhero returns with The Find Your Power Challenge, powered by Marvel.
A simple mission: to create a fun, full-throttle mass-participation virtual sports event where people with disabilities – ‘our superheroes’ – call the shots and don’t have to worry about cut-off times or equipment restrictions.
The event will see approx. 3,000 ‘superheroes’ take part in a virtual race to the fictional Avengers tower in New York covering a total distance of 25,000km via various accessible means including using “sensory” activities.
“As an elite athlete I was fortunate to be given access to a whole world of sporting opportunities. I have cerebral palsy and was the first person with a disability to enter the London Triathlon back in 1998. Even as an elite athlete I found it hard to keep up and had to ask other participants for help. I’ve also taken part in fun runs where the roads have reopened and organisers have started clearing up before I’ve had a chance to finish. Marvel and the Superhero Series share the same belief that everyone has their own unique power, and we cannot wait to see them unleashed!”
Led by Team Captains Briony Williams, Sophie Morgan, Rhiannon Clements, Lee Ridley and Jordan Jarrett Bryan, participants will be divided in five Marvel-themed teams and can take part however they choose.
THE SUPERHERO SERIES RUNS FROM MAY 29TH – JUNE 5TH 2021
SOPHIA WARNER, THE SHS TEAM CAPTAINS AND SELECT PARTICIPANTS ARE AVALIABLE FOR INTERVIEW – CONTACT CURTIS@ASSEMBLEPUBLICITY.COM
MEET THE SUPERHEROES
EMERSON GRANT
AGED 6 FROM WEYBRIDGE, SURREY
“I have a spinal arachnoid cyst & I am paralysed from the chest down, but this does not stop me. I continue to do everything I used to do, just in a slightly different way – quite often in a more fun way too. I have had to learn to adapt to many things in life, which helps me progress & makes me stronger in many ways. The past year has been tough & strange for everyone, & this challenge has encouraged the whole family to get outside into nature & complete our super goals. I especially love that this challenge allows me to be myself whilst still being challenged at a
competitive level. Being fully inclusive means that everybody can achieve it in their own way; there are absolutely no barriers or obstacles to getting involved.”
EVE WILLIAMS
AGED 8 FROM DORKING, SURREY
Eve – AKA the Tiny Tornado – has a rare chromosome condition shared by only 50 people worldwide. But this exuberant Superhero continues to transcend her
medical prognosis and has taught her parents &the world that she can’t be defined by her condition. ‘If she can’t do something she doesn’t let it bother her,’ says mum Jenni.” Only two years ago the aim was for Eve to do the last 100m of a 1km super challenge in her (now discarded) walker. Fast forward to the Find Your Power challenge & walking a whole 1km unassisted looks within her grasp – & she continues to surprise!
SHANE BOOTH
AGED 46 FROM ALVECHURCH
“After having a life threatening motorbike accident breaking several bones and a traumatic brain injury, I struggled with quite debilitating mental fatigue and became severely disabled. I’ll never be able to walk unaided again but,i sure know how to cycle! I get a huge sense of achievement from the Superhero Series.”
LEW LEW JEYNES
AGED 16 FROM DONCASTER, SOUTH YORKSHIRE
“I have Neuronal Ceriod Lipofuscinosis CLN14, I cannot move and I need a ventilator to breathe through my tracheostomy tube. Being able to be part of something with other children and families helps to make me feel less alone and isolated as well as keeping me, my mum and my carers and nurses fit and healthy, and happy because we will have so much fun.”
LAUREN BRADFIELD
AGED 27 FROM GUILDFORD, SURREY
“I had a stroke when I was 20 and live with a rare chronic illness (Behcets disease) – My left side is slightly weaker than my right and I get a lot more tired than before. I think its an amazing concept and sport should be open to everyone. Sport has helped me so much, both physically and mentally, and its nice to see so many people taking part. Its something I am proud to be part of. I love seeing how everyone is treated the same and everyone is a winner in their own way.”
FOR FURTHER CASE STUDIES PLEASE VISIT HTTPS://SUPERHEROSERIES.CO.UK/OUR-PARTICIPANTS
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