Why the Inclusive Padel Tour means so much to me
Last weekend I competed in the UK stop of the Inclusive Padel Tour (IPT) at Padel Maidenhead, and it reminded me why I fell in love with this sport in the first place.
The Inclusive Padel Tour isn't just another competition. Every team is made up of one disabled player and one non-disabled player, creating a truly inclusive environment where ability doesn't define the game, it simply becomes part of it. The focus is on teamwork, competition but above all, inclusion.
As an above-knee amputee, walking onto the court at my local padel clubs can still feel daunting at times. You know people often notice your prosthetic before they notice you. But at the Inclusive Padel Tour, none of that matters. You're surrounded by people who see you as an athlete first. Everyone is there to support one another, compete together and celebrate what sport can look like when barriers are removed.
What stood out most wasn't just the matches, it was the atmosphere. Players from different countries, speaking different languages, all connected by one thing: a love of padel. Whether someone was an amputee, a wheelchair user, living with another disability, or an able-bodied teammate, the focus was always on what we could achieve together.
For the limb loss and limb difference community, I think that's incredibly powerful. So often we're told what we can't do after losing a limb. Events like this remind us of everything we still can.
For someone who is newer to limb loss, I genuinely believe padel could play a really positive role in your rehabilitation journey. The short steps, lateral movements and constant changes of direction mirror so many of the movements we use in everyday life.
Even though I've been an amputee for 20 years, I've still noticed the difference. Playing padel has made me feel even more confident on my prosthetic, whether I'm walking on uneven ground, changing direction or navigating busy places. Those everyday movements feel that little bit easier.
If you've ever been curious about trying a new sport after limb loss, let this be your sign to give padel a go. You might surprise yourself - I certainly did.
Sport has given me confidence I never imagined I'd have after my amputation. It has introduced me to lifelong friendships, taken me to countries I never expected to visit, including competing in China, and shown me that resilience grows when you step outside your comfort zone.
The Inclusive Padel Tour is helping change perceptions of disability and I'm incredibly proud to be part of that journey. Together we're building something special, and I believe the future is bright for inclusive and adaptive padel.
Words by Movao member Sheena
Interested in trying padel? Contact the Inclusive Padel Tour for more information.
