On Sunday Kingdom Wheelblasters, Kerry’s local multi-sport club for children with physical disabilities, welcomed clubs from around the country to MTU Tralee for the second round of IWA-Sport’s 2025/26 Wheelchair Basketball Junior Blitz. Children from 5-16 with a physical disability took part in Wheelchair Basketball throughout the day at the Kerry Sports Academy.
Kingdom Wheelblasters club was delighted with the event and hopes these events also encourage more young members from across Kerry to join the fun. The multi-sport club for children with physical disabilities offers them a chance to participate in sport in a fun environment, while helping to develop physical and social skills. The club provides a variety of Para Sport and adapted sports, such as the Wheelchair Basketball, which they hosted as part of IWA-Sport’s Junior Blitz season.
With club nights taking place Tuesday evenings from 6pm to 7pm at the Kerry Sports Academy at MTU Tralee, club Chairperson, Laura Sheehy shares how Wheelblasters provides a unique safe place that brings a level playing field for those with a physical disability.
“The Kingdom Wheelblasters has provided for their members a safe place to be part of a team on a level playing field which wouldn’t be available in other sporting fields. a place to make new friends, share stories and experiences. try out new skills and opens it has opened doors to new activities. It has also taught us a way to adapt and play many sports.”
On the day, Para Powerlifter Niamh Buckley, who recently broke an 11-year European Record at the World Championships in Cairo, Egypt attended the Junior Blitz. Buckley, who began her Para Sport journey when she was a child with Kingdom Wheelblasters presented her medals to members. Showing what members can achieve even if they venture into another Para Sport, Buckley explains the impact Kingdom Wheelblasters had on her.
“When I was growing up all of my friends were competing in sports that I couldn’t take part in, so it was a great feeling to be able to take part in sports that were inclusive and where I could fully get involved. It also opened up a whole new world to me.”
Kingdom Wheelblasters brings people together from all over Kerry, providing opportunity for those with a physical disability to take part in sport, whether to soar to heights Niamh Buckley has reached, or to participate recreationally on a level playing field.
Laura Sheehy explains, “Kingdom Wheelblasters brings people from all over Kerry together regardless of their disability, where they might not have had the opportunity to meet before. Everyone gets to share their stories and each other’s knowledge and skill set. We offer support to the individuals and their families. The club has opened the door to trying many Para Sports and adaptive sports, like our recent events with Tralee Tennis club and Badminton Ireland.”
Niamh added to Laura’s sentiment, saying “people should get involved with Wheelblasters because it can open up so many avenues. For me it gave me the opportunity to try out different sports, travel the country and make new friends. It was thanks to the Wheelblasters that I found my true passion and love for sport.
“Get involved, make the most of every opportunity and have lots of fun while doing it!”
Kingdom Wheelblasters are always seeking new members to join the club and can do so by visiting IWA-Sport’s Find Your Club page to register interest.
