Celebrities take on inclusive sport event

Back for its third year on Saturday 17 August at Dorney Lake in Windsor, the event gives participants the opportunity to test themselves with a swim, bike ride and a push or run of varying distances. Individuals can take part in as much of the course as they want, completing alone or as part of a team with friends, families or volunteers.

Among the team captains this year is Paralympian Olivia Breen, who is representing leading disability charity Leonard Cheshire. 

She said:

‘I am so excited to take part in this event. Sport has made such a massive difference to my life and I think it's crucial that everyone can take part in sporting competitions at every level.  

‘I’m currently in training for the Tokyo Paralympics but can’t wait to compete with my Superheroes team in August - we've got this Team Cheshire!’

Breen was announced as Leonard Cheshire’s new sports ambassador earlier this year. 

At the Superheroes Series, she will join a number of Leonard Cheshire sports teams, coming from the charity’s residential care homes, schemes for young people and its volunteers, staff and corporate volunteers. The charity is also a Silver Partner at this year’s event, having taken part since its inception.  

Talking about the inclusivity of the event, Razia Malik, who took part in the triathlon last year and attends Leonard Cheshire’s resource centre Randall Close, commented:

‘Superheroes provides a race that I can take part in, in my wheelchair.

‘It’s good to see so many people in once place with different abilities and disabilities, it feels like a club! It’s also amazing to get a medal at the end, I showed mine to everybody afterwards!’

Marvin Alfonso, who’s also been a participant previously and will be representing Randall Close, added:

‘I am looking forward to setting fire to the track again in my powered wheelchair. Someone better have a fire extinguisher on standby! I took part last year and really felt like I had achieved something.’

Alice Freeman, Service Manager at the charity’s Johnstown Supported Living service in Wales, will be attending the event with her team for the third time. 

‘What a fantastic and unique event,‘ she commented.

‘This event has been inspirational for the people we support, from those who have had minimal involvement in sporting activity to those who attend the gym and sporting sessions weekly – you really can get involved whatever your ability.’

Discussing the charity’s partnership with the event, Kate Burt, executive director marketing and fundraising at Leonard Cheshire said:

‘We’re delighted to have become a Silver Partner to the Superhero Series.

‘As the UK’s only mass participation sports series that’s fully inclusive for disabled people, the event is synonymous with our charity’s ethos that everyone should have the same access to opportunities, including sports and physical activities, whatever your ability. 

‘With the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games just over a year away, it’s fitting that Channel 4, the UK’s official 2020 Paralympic broadcaster, and Commonwealth Gold Medallist Olivia Breen, are supporting the event.

‘We’re looking forward to seeing Olivia lead our teams of superheroes on the day and show that together, we’re unstoppable.’ 

Sophia Warner, the founder of Superhero Series, added:

‘I’m thrilled that Leonard Cheshire are joining the Superhero family as a Silver Super Partner!

‘We are completely aligned in our aspirations to provide sporting opportunities for people with disabilities.

‘The Celebrity Superhero Tri competition provides a great opportunity for people with disabilities to take part alongside their Celebrity Superheroes. 

 

‘I can’t wait to see Leonard Cheshire’s Superheroes and Sidekicks display their superhero spirit and to cheer them over the finish line!’

Media enquiries

For further information and high res images please contact Erin O’Reilly via erin.o’reilly@leonardcheshire.org

Notes to editors

Anyone interested in competing as part of team Leonard Cheshire at the Superhero Series can email Katie Foggo at katie.foggo@leonardcheshire.org

Volunteers from one of Leonard Cheshire’s business partners, Microsoft, will also be attending on the day to act as sidekicks to the participants. 

About Superheroes

Participants can take part in a number of events:

• The sprint – 150m swim, 3k bike, 1k push/run.
• The half – 400m swim, 10k bike, 2.5k push/run.
• The full – 750m swim, 20k bike, 5k push/run.

Participants can also enter to win the chance to team up with the Celebrity Team Captains in the relay race. Find out more about Superheros Series.