Fundraising
12th July 2019
A Unique Disability Sporting Challenge
The Superhero Series - the UK’s only mass-participation sports series dedicated to people with disabilities – will have a powerful boost this year, as Marvel is announced as the headline sponsor for the 2019 Superhero Tri (17th August). The competitive family fun event will feature Marvel Super Hero characters and storytelling to help participants find their power before, during and after the challenge, and inspire more children and families to get involved.
With 1,500 participants, aged 3-81, already signed up – and more spaces still available - the first event of this year’s series will see people with any kind of disability come together to compete in a unique, solo or team challenge at 2012 Summer Paralympic and Olympic venue, Dorney Lake, Windsor.
The Superhero Tri throws out restrictive rules and regulations and encourages participants to use any method of support required to complete their challenge. All ‘gadgets and gismos’ are welcomed on the course, from floats and boats to adaptive bikes and trikes. Participants can choose between flying solo or teaming up with ‘Sidekicks’ (non-disabled family and friends) to take on the unique challenges with as much or as little time and support as they need.
With a huge emphasis on fun, Superhero Tri participants and their ‘Sidekicks’ are also encouraged to come along dressed as their favourite Super Hero.
The perfect partner for a day that is all about inspiring participants to unlock their inner super power, Marvel will bring the epic energy of its iconic Super Hero characters to the event. From the car park to the finish line, Marvel storytelling and exciting touches will help participants unleash their inner Super Hero, adding even more fun to this competitive family event. Everything from giant LEGO® models of Thor’s Hammer, to Captain America’s shield and the Infinity Gauntlet, to inspirational quotes from Super Hero favourites including Captain Marvel and Spider-Man, will help make the participants feel like a true Super Hero.
Meanwhile, performers from Marvel Universe LIVE will lead the participants’ “Power Up” session before the race begins. Marvel Universe LIVE is a live-action arena spectacular featuring more than 25 of the most popular Marvel Super Heroes and Villains, which will be performing in nine cities across the UK, beginning 18th September.
As well as 18 waves of participants racing throughout the day, there will also be a ‘celebrity race’ for members of the public who have won the chance to unite with high-profile Celebrity Team Captains from TV and sport. This year’s event will see celebrities including DJ and journalist Jordan Jarrett-Bryan; Paralympic equestrian champion Sophie Christiansen; Invictus Games athlete, JJ Chalmers; Paralympian and Wimbledon doubles champion, Alfie Hewett; and eight-time London Marathon winner and six-time Paralympic champion, David Weir, lead competition winners in their very own teams as they complete the course.
Marvel’s sponsorship for the Superhero Series forms part of Marvel and Disney UK’s wider Healthy Living initiative, which uses the power of popular characters to inspire children and families to be more active. Marianthi O’Dwyer, Vice President, Healthy Living UK at The Walt Disney Company: “There are more than 13 million people with disabilities in the UK, but only around one in eight regularly take part in sport*. The Superhero Series aims to reduce barriers to entry into disabled sport, offering a great opportunity for families in the disabled community across the country to come together, get active and most of all, have fun. Marvel stories are all about ordinary humans finding their inner power, so we’re delighted to play a role in this year’s event and help make the day even more epic and inspiring for everyone involved.”
The Superhero Series is founded and run by Paralympian, Sophia Warner, who has been involved in disability sport for more than 25 years. Speaking of her reasons for launching the series, Sophia says: “I know first-hand what a hugely positive impact sport can have on a person’s life. I believe everyone should have the chance to enjoy momentous and often life-changing sporting events. That’s why when I retired from professional sport, I created the Superhero Series – sporting events designed especially for people with disabilities.
“I’m thrilled to have Marvel on board as our headline sponsor for the Superhero Tri – having the support of such an iconic brand elevates the profile and importance of disability sport for the masses to a whole new level. I know the participants will feel inspired to dig even deeper and find their inner super power by the amazing story-telling and Marvel touches throughout the event.”
As part of its ongoing commitment to support disability sport, Channel 4 will film at the event, with Clare Balding hosting a 60-minute programme set to broadcast on 31st August.
Spaces are still available to take part in the Superhero Tri on 17th August. Visit www.shinecharity.org.uk/challenge-events-/superhero-tri to find your power and take part, or to find out how you can help cheer on the Super Heroes on the day.
The Superhero Tri was first launched on 19 August 2017, with 1,700 participants and 7,000 spectators – numbers that nearly doubled in 2018. With the support of Marvel in the pre-promotion of the event, 2019 is expected to be its biggest year yet.
The Superhero Tri is just one event in the Superhero Series, which also sees ‘Winter Wonderwheels’ invite people with disabilities to take on solo or team challenges; running, wheeling, walking, pushing or being pushed around three lakeside distance. This event takes place in December and will also be sponsored by Disney.
Sign up must be before 17th July 2019.