Stoke Mandeville Stadium 50th Anniversary Celebrations

WheelPower, the national charity for Wheelchair Sport, has announced the 50th anniversary celebrations for the world-renowned Stoke Mandeville Stadium in Aylesbury which will take place at the athletics arena on Friday 2 August from 2pm-6pm.

WheelPower is inviting volunteers past and present to attend a Garden Party at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, which is recognised as the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement, as a way of expressing the Charity’s gratitude for all their help and to acknowledge their services and celebrate 50 years since the facilities were opened by Her Majesty The Queen.

Solie Mokienko, 50th Anniversary Event Organiser, comments: ‘We would love to have as many of the volunteers here with us on the day to celebrate 50 years of Stoke Mandeville Stadium. There have been so many successful events over the years and that success is down to the many wonderful volunteers. I can’t wait to hear their stories and see their photographs! There will be an afternoon Garden Party serving drinks, sandwiches and cake. All guests are welcome to bring a picnic blanket and share stories from their volunteering experiences at the Stadium or supporting WheelPower.’

WheelPower’s CEO, Martin McElhatton comments: ‘Dr Guttmann recognised the need for additional facilities as the Stoke Mandeville Games grew and they moved to the Stadium site in the 1950’s. In 1969 the original Stadium was built and in 2003 WheelPower, supported by the National Lottery through Sport England and the Sporting Chance Appeal improved the facilities with a £10.2 million redevelopment. Over the years the Stadium has hosted many major sporting events including the 1984 Paralympic Games. Events at the Stadium have relied on the support of our incredible volunteers and we are delighted to be hosting this Garden Party to thank them for their support and recognise their contribution to the charity and the Stadium.’

Volunteers from past to present will be at the event to share their stories and experiences.

If you or a family member have volunteered for WheelPower or at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, please contact the WheelPower Team on info@wheelpower.org.uk.