The Parallel Games is a flagship project that celebrates diversity and inclusivity and welcomes people of all ages and abilities. Participants have the choice of 100m, 1k, 5k, 10k, and a sensory 1k.

We are thrilled that three Variety beneficiaries – Ada, James, and Yassine – joined team Variety to take on the challenge.

Ada and Alfie with the new Variety mascot

Ada has Leukodystrophy, which causes challenges with speech, motor skills, and balance. Variety was able to provide a specialised car seat that keeps her safe on car journeys. She completed the 100m with her family – her mum, Loran, her dad, Chris, and her twin brother, Alfred. Afterwards, Alfred and Chris completed the 1K, coming third overall.

James with his finisher’s medal

James has Down’s Syndrome, global developmental delay, and autism. He received a bag of sensory toys from Variety to help with his development. James completed the 1K with his mum, Heather. He had such a fantastic and energetic day that he was fast asleep five minutes into the drive home! James will be joining us for the Superhero Tri on Saturday 12th August 2023.

Djamel, Ludmila, and Yassine

Yassine was born extremely prematurely at 25 weeks, which resulted in him developing Cerebral Palsy. He is a keen sportsman and came to Variety for a basketball wheelchair, which has allowed him to play for his team, the Thames Valley Kings, across all national levels. He is a keen disability advocate and is keen to show other people that his disability doesn’t have to hold him back. He ran the 1K with his dad, Djamel, and came in first place.

The new Variety mascot

We were delighted to launch our new Variety mascot at the Parallel Games! Our mascot had a go at the 1K distance and was a huge hit with all the participants on the day!

Five-times paralympic gold medallist, Ellie Simmonds OBE attended the event in her role as an ambassador for Sure’s Breaking Limits programme. Our team were so pleased to meet her and hear from such an inspirational athlete who really showcases inclusion and sport for all.

James with Paralympian Ellie Simmonds OBE

Challenge Events and Community Partnership Officer, Sarah Phillips, said:

I’m so proud to have been involved in Parallel Windsor. Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do at Variety, and events like this are so important in opening up the world of sport and beyond to make our society a more accessible place.

I would like to say a huge thank you and very well done to all our participants. It’s always wonderful to see our beneficiaries flourishing and we’re all so glad they could join us for such a fantastic event.

Everyone at Variety would like to thank our incredible participants for representing Variety and championing inclusivity at such an important sporting event!