The Wheelchair Rugby European Championships recently drew to a close in Cardiff, after an enthralling tournament including eight national teams. It resulted in a silver medal for Great Britain (just losing out to France in the final), who comfortably qualified for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Wheelchair Rugby is fast becoming a popular spectator sport, thanks to Team GB’s impressive record and talented players. The tournament was full of thrills and heart-pumping action, and thanks to the accessible nature of the Principality Stadium, hundreds of disabled sports fans were able to soak it up and cheer the team on court side. Among them was Hadley, age 12, who is a full-time wheelchair user and has Cerebral Palsy. Hadley attended for the weekend with his dad and was able to do so as the stadium has a Changing Places toilet, installed by Closomat.
Hadley said: “I love watching and playing wheelchair sports and it was so exciting to watch this live. It’s brilliant watching on the tv at home, but being there in person is so much better! We were sat really close to the court so could hear everything that was going on and see how fast and strong the players are. It was awesome!”
He continued: “The Changing Places at the stadium made it so easy for me. I could relax and really enjoy myself without worrying where I would go to the toilet or having to keep going back to the hotel. It made it much easier for my dad too. There were so many wheelchair users at the games, at one point there was a massive queue for the loo!”
Changing Places toilets include an adult-sized changing bench, ceiling-tracking hoist, peninsular WC and height-adjustable, wheelchair-accessible sink as well as extra space for carers and mobility equipment. Without these vital facilities, many disabled people with more complex needs, are not able to access the toilet when away from home.
For further information about Changing Places toilets or assistance regarding equipment or installation, please contact changingplaces@closomat.co.uk
