Team Brain wave paddles beyond limits at charity Dragon boat race

Team Brain Wave proudly took part in the Dragon Boat Challenge 2026, organised by the Rotary Club of Wolverhampton at Himley Hall, alongside charities and community organisations from across the region for a memorable day of racing, fundraising and community spirit.

Representing Headway Black Country, Team Brain Wave competed in three heats during the day and delivered an especially strong performance in the second heat, recording their fastest time of the competition. Although the team narrowly missed out on progressing to the next stage, the experience proved to be about far more than medals or final standings.

The event brought together local charities and groups, all paddling to raise vital funds and awareness for causes making a difference in their communities. Despite the weather turning chilly and rain falling during parts of the afternoon, spirits remained high, with participants and supporters continuing to enjoy the atmosphere and action on the water.

What made the day particularly meaningful for Team Brain Wave was the participation of several people living with brain injuries, paddling alongside staff, supporters and volunteers in a powerful display of resilience, determination and teamwork.

Dave Whiteman, Outreach Officer at Headway Black Country, said:

“Taking to the water and paddling in sync with colleagues, service users and supporters was an absolute blast and felt like poetry in motion, but the real victory was what we were doing it for.

Headway Black Country is an incredible local lifeline, and knowing our blistered hands and team spirit will help provide essential support to brain injury survivors in our community made every single second on that boat worthwhile.

We may not have won the gold medal for speed, but our team spirit was absolutely unmatched. The fact that many of the paddlers were people with brain injuries made it even more special. Knowing that these people are actively improving their lives despite lots of physical and cognitive challenges made every stroke of the paddle a victory in itself. Sign me up for next year!”

 

Ajay, one of the team members who took part that we support, added:

“Some friends encouraged me to take part, saying it would be a great experience and they were absolutely right. It was a fantastic day, great fun, and even more rewarding knowing we were helping to raise money for such an important cause.”

Jayne Emery, Chief Officer of Headway Black Country, praised everyone involved and highlighted the importance of events that promote inclusion and recovery, she said:

“The Dragon Boat Challenge was a brilliant example of what can happen when communities come together for a common purpose. We are incredibly proud of everyone who represented Team Brain Wave, especially some of the people that we support who showed tremendous courage, determination and team spirit throughout the day

Activities like this are about far more than competition. They build confidence, bring people together and help generate vital funding that enables us to continue supporting people living with the life-changing effects of brain injury across the Black Country”

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, sponsors and donors, the event has now raised nearly £2,000 to support people impacted by brain injury across the Black Country, while also supporting the charitable work of the Rotary Club of Wolverhampton

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