WheelPower have appointed Chris Turner to the key role of national sports director for the national charity of wheelchair sport.

Turner will head up the organisations sports department and work with external partners in the sector.

He will be based at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the birthplace of the Paralympic Movement, as well as working from his home in Stafford.

Turner will manage and develop the Sport England funded delivery plan which aims to ensure national governing bodies, disabled peoples organisations and the health sector are connected into WheelPower’s activities, as well as helping develop grass roots opportunities.

Some 38,000 disabled people per year already train or take part in an event at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, many more participate in wheelchair sport all over the country, it is claimed. 

The aim to increase engagement and increase participation rates will be at the heart of Turner's priorities.

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Chris Turner has been appointed as the national sports director of WheelPower, national charity of wheelchair sport ©WheelPower

He has worked in the sports development sector for 15 years, including working for two national governing bodies of sport, two county sports partnerships and a sport & leisure consultancy.

His latest role working for Archery GB as a national development manager for young people involved leading the development of the organisations disability strategy.

“I cannot wait to get started in the role and really make a difference to transforming and enhancing people’s lives by increasing the opportunities available for more disabled people to participate and engage in sport," said Turner. 

WheelPower chief executive Martin McElhatton said: “WheelPower are delighted to welcome Chris to the team.

"The role of national sports director will have direct influence within the sports sector and is vital in helping improve and increase sports and physical activity opportunities to transform lives.

"Chris has vast experience and a depth of knowledge and skills for the position and we look forward to seeing his work make an impact on our sports programmes and connections with external partners.”



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