Inaugural ABI Games™ Roadshow Celebrates Inspiring Success in Hertfordshire

The inaugural ABI Games™ Roadshow 2026 has been hailed a resounding success following a vibrant and inclusive event hosted by Headway Hertfordshire at Hertfordshire Sports Village on Tuesday 2nd June.

The No Limits 2026 campaign, Hertfordshire’s Year of Disability Sport and Physical Activity, is shining a spotlight on the power of activity, with the Headway ABI Games™ Roadshow showcasing just how important both physical and mental challenges are in supporting recovery after an acquired brain injury.

The event brought together individuals living with acquired brain injury (ABI), along with volunteers from Irwin MItchell, and staff and supporters from across the Headway network. As part of the Roadshow, the day delivered a powerful programme of activity, connection and celebration. It highlighted the core ethos of the ABI Games™, championing ability over disability through a diverse range of accessible sporting and creative activities designed to engage participants of all abilities.

The Roadshow provided a valuable opportunity for individuals affected by acquired brain injury to build confidence, develop new skills and connect with others who share similar experiences. Throughout the day, participants engaged in a variety of adapted challenges, demonstrating resilience, determination and an extraordinary sense of spirit.

Hosted by Headway Hertfordshire, the event formed part of a growing national initiative led by Headway Worcestershire to expand the reach and impact of the biannual ABI Games™ beyond its original county base. Following the success of the 2025 national event, the Roadshow model continues to strengthen partnerships between charities and provide meaningful opportunities for ABI survivors across the UK.

The event was attended by more than 100 participants, supported by 12 professional sports coaches and 30 volunteers. Several Headway branches and groups also took part, including teams from Headway Hertfordshire, Headway Worcestershire, Headway South Bucks and Headway Bedford. Notably, a dedicated team of three participants travelled from Fife in Scotland to join the day’s activities.

Throughout the day, attendees took part in a wide range of activities, including walking sports such as tennis, football, rugby, cricket and badminton, alongside boccia, bowls and yoga. A dedicated downtime zone was also available, offering board games such as chess, draughts and Connect 4, allowing participants to rest and socialise while moving between the carousel of physical activities on offer.

Whilst there was no competitive element to the day, delivery providers were asked to idenitify standout particpants from each activity who embodied the ethos of the event and threw themselves into trying something new. Each individual who attended was presented with a medal from Headway Hertfordshire's patron, former Arsenal Footballer, Alan Smith.

Speaking about the event, John Archer, CEO of Headway Hertfordshire, said:

It has been a privilege to host the Headway Worcestershire ABI Games™ Roadshow here in Hertfordshire. The energy, positivity and determination shown by participants has been truly inspiring. Events like this highlight the power of community and the importance of creating inclusive opportunities for people living with brain injury to thrive.

The success of the Hertfordshire Roadshow builds momentum towards the next national Headway Worcestershire ABI Games™, set to take place in August 2027 at the University of Worcester Arena. This flagship event will bring together hundreds of participants from across the UK, continuing to raise awareness of acquired brain injury while celebrating the achievements and potential of those affected.

Headway Worcestershire remains committed to expanding the ABI Games™ programme nationally, ensuring that more individuals can benefit from the social, physical, and emotional outcomes these events provide.

Feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees highlighted how the Headway ABI Games™ Roadshow fostered a strong sense of inclusion and increased their awareness of disability sports. One participant shared that they felt “safe” in the environment to try a new sport, as they were surrounded by others with similar experiences.

This positive atmosphere was reflected in participant feedback, with one attendee describing it as “the best day I have had in a long time,” while another noted, “My first ABI Games was a great experience, lots of smiling faces and a positive atmosphere.”