Why Superhero Series powered by MARVEL was born

Superhero Series founder, Sophia Warner

“Hello and thank you for taking the time to read why this series has come about. My name is Sophia Warner and I’m a mum, a Paralympian and a huge lover of sport. As an elite athlete I was very fortunate to be given access to a whole world of sporting opportunities. But as any everyday person with a disability looking to do sports events for fun I’ve found it a real struggle.

“I have cerebral palsy and was the first person with a disability to enter the London Triathlon back in 1998. Even as an elite athlete I found it hard to keep up and had to ask other participants for help with my wetsuit and to get my bike down from the high rack. I’ve also taken part in fun runs where the roads have reopened and organisers have started clearing up before I’ve had a chance to finish. Not as fun as it could be!

“My own experiences combined with meeting many sports lovers over the years, like my wonderful ambassadors, who are crying out for more opportunities are the inspiration for this series.

“For our summer event, Superhero Tri, I chose triathlon challenges because swimming, cycling and running are the three most popular disability sports. You can do the whole thing if you wish, or choose to do just one or two stages as a relay with family and friends. Alternatively Superheroes can be powered round the entire course by their chosen Sidekicks in our unique Sidekick Tri events. We also have a fantastically festive event every December, npower Winter Wonderwheels, where you can run, walk, cycle, push or be pushed around Dorney Lake to help keep you motivated through the colder months!

“One of my priorities was to offer mass-participation events where Superheroes can use any type of equipment (or gadgets and gizmos as we like to call them) they need to complete the course, from adaptive bikes and powerchairs to race runners and baby buggies. I also love the idea of creating a series where people with all kinds of disabilities can feel confident that they’ll come together with like-minded individuals and, crucially, feel in the majority rather than the minority.

“I know first hand what a hugely positive impact sport can have on a person’s life and I believe everyone should have the chance to enjoy momentous and often life-changing sporting events. We’ve gone all out to try to think of everything we can to ensure everyone can be a Superhero for the day. But if you can think of something that we may have missed, please get in touch.