PEOPLE going along to the first Bournemouth Wheels Festival will get the chance to have a go at some Paralympic sports.

WheelPower, the national charity for wheelchair sport, will run an arena during the event, which takes place over the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May.

Emma Lau, from WheelPower, said: “In the WheelPower Arena we are delighted to be able to showcase different wheelchair sports during the weekend.

“We encourage you to come observe all the different sports over the three days, have a go at some of the sports, have your picture taken with the Sochi Paralympic torch, learn more about the Paralympic movement and much more.”

Through its member Sports Associations and links with other organisations, WheelPower supports individuals in finding a sport which they are passionate about.

Emma said its aim was to use sport to help people with disabilities, giving them improved health and physical well-being, increased self esteem and confidence and improved social opportunities, all of which result in a better quality of life.

Jon Weaver, festival director, added: “We are ecstatic that WheelPower will be part of the first-ever Wheels Festival. It shows the diverse range of wheels which will be on display at the event and the type of amazing animated shows and demos that revellers can enjoy and take part in.

“The Wheels Festival isn’t just about all different sorts of cars, it’s a celebration of everything wheel powered.

“We’re excited to see the WheelPower wheelchair sports in action.”