What Is The Wakefield Inclusive Sports Festival And What Can People Do There?

Getting into sport can feel a bit tricky sometimes. Maybe you think you're not 'sporty' enough, or perhaps finding activities that fit your specific needs is a real challenge. But what if there was a day dedicated to breaking down all those barriers? Good news.

On Saturday 16 August 2025, the Wakefield Inclusive Sports Festival is back, and it's a completely free event designed to show that sport and physical activity can genuinely be for everyone. It's a chance for people of all ages and abilities to come together for a day of fun, connection, and trying something new. This isn't about being the best; it's about taking part and finding an activity you love.

More than just a sports day

So, what does 'inclusive' actually mean in this context? It means that this festival is designed from the ground up to be welcoming for everybody. Whether you have a physical disability, a learning difference, or additional needs, or you're simply someone who hasn't done any sport since your school days, this event is for you. It's a space where no one feels left out.

The whole thing is happening at Thornes Park Stadium from 11am to 2pm. The atmosphere is all about 'come and try'. There's no pressure to perform, no competition to worry about. It's simply a chance to have a go at different sports and physical activities in a supportive and friendly environment. You can dip in and out of things as you please. This event is a central part of the local calendar. It's an idea that gets right to the heart of what community is about. As Cllr Hannah Appleyard, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, puts it: "We all deserve the opportunity to be active, feel included, and be part of something. This festival is about bringing people together and showing that sport and physical activity really can be for everyone." And that really sums it up. It's about more than just physical health; it's about feeling connected and being a part of something bigger in Wakefield. The entire day is focused on this type of sport and physical engagement.

What activities can you actually do?

Okay, so what kind of things will be on offer? The day is packed with opportunities to meet local sports providers who are experts in making their sessions open and accessible. They'll be running demonstrations and giving people the chance to get stuck in. This is a brilliant chance for people to discover a new type of physical activity. While the full list is always a fun surprise on the day, you can expect to find a whole range of inclusive activities. Think about things like:

• Wheelchair Basketball: A fast-paced and exciting team sport.
• Boccia: A precision ball sport, similar to bowls, that can be played by people with a wide range of abilities.
• Adaptive Cycling: A chance to try out different types of cycles, from tandems to handcycles.
• Frame Football: A version of the beautiful game for people who use walking frames.
• Seated Volleyball: All the fun of volleyball, but played sitting down, making it accessible for many more people.

The brilliant thing is that you can watch live demonstrations to get a feel for a sport before you decide to take part. And you can chat with the local clubs and providers. This is a key part of the day. It's not just a one-off event. It's a gateway to finding a new hobby or joining a local team. The aim is to connect **people** with ongoing opportunities for sport and physical activity in their local area, so the fun doesn't have to stop when the festival ends. The inclusive sports festival is a perfect introduction.

It's not all about the sport

But what if you're not feeling particularly sporty on the day? Or maybe you're bringing someone along who'd rather do something else? Not a problem. The inclusive sports festival understands that a great day out needs variety. This is what makes the whole festival so special for the community. Alongside the sport and physical fun, there will be a 'Partner Village'. This is a more relaxed space where you can wander around and explore other things happening in the community. It's designed to be a social hub, with stalls, crafts, and various arts activities. It's the perfect spot to take a break, have a chat, and still feel part of the festival atmosphere. A special feature will be an exhibition from local artist Jason Wilsher-Mills, whose work is known for being vibrant and thought-provoking.

Having this creative element adds another layer to the day, making it a true celebration of community and talent in Wakefield. It shows that being active and creative can go hand-in-hand. This blend of sport and art ensures there's something to capture everyone's interest, making it a fantastic day out for the entire family or a group of friends.

Who is behind this brilliant idea?

An event like this doesn't just happen by magic. It's the result of a strong partnership between some really dedicated organisations. The Wakefield*Inclusive Sports Festival is delivered by Disability Sport Yorkshire, Yorkshire Sport Foundation, and Wakefield Council. Bringing these three groups together is what makes the festival so special. Disability Sport Yorkshire brings huge expertise in, well, disability sport. They know exactly what's needed to make activities truly inclusive. The Yorkshire Sport Foundation works across the region to help people get more active. And Wakefield Council provides that essential local connection, ensuring the event serves the people of the district. Together, their mission is clear: to break down the barriers that stop people from getting involved in sport. Sometimes those barriers are physical, like a lack of ramps or accessible equipment.

Other times, they're social, like a fear of being judged or not knowing where to start. This festival tackles all of that head-on. By showcasing the amazing local inclusive sports clubs and the huge benefits of an active lifestyle, they are building a stronger, healthier, and more connected community. The event is a fantastic part of their wider work to promote physical activity across the district. So, if you're looking for a fun, free, and genuinely welcoming day out, put Saturday 16 August 2025 in your diary. It's a brilliant chance to discover a new passion, meet new people, and see for yourself that sport and physical activity really is for everybody.