“The Power We Play”: a documentary on how powerchair football changes lives
From Argentina to England and Italy, three national teams and one shared dream: the 2026 FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup in Buenos Aires. A journey through sport, determination, friendship and the power of belonging.
October 9, 2026 – Ahead of the 2026 FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup in Buenos Aires, World Duchenne Organization in cooperation with Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS are proud to present The Power We Play – How Powerchair Football Changes Lives, an international documentary exploring how sport can transform the lives of people living with neuromuscular conditions.
Filmed across Argentina, England and Italy, the documentary follows players from three national teams as they prepare for one of the most important competitions of their sporting careers.
Through personal stories, interviews and moments on and off the pitch, the film reveals a world of determination, friendship, ambition and shared dreams. It captures not only the challenges of preparing for an international competition, but also the profound impact that Powerchair Football has on the lives of those who play it.
The documentary also echoes the message of World Duchenne Awareness Day 2026, “Access Changes Lives”, highlighting how meaningful access can create opportunities, empower individuals and transform lives.
Elizabeth Vroom, President of World Duchenne Organization, comments:
“At World Duchenne Organization, we believe that every person living with Duchenne deserves not only access to the best possible care, but also the opportunity to live a full and meaningful life. Sport is a powerful part of that vision. Powerchair Football shows us what inclusion truly means when people are given the opportunity to participate, compete and pursue their dreams. These athletes are not defined by their condition, but by their passion, talent and determination. Through this documentary, we hope to inspire communities around the world to recognize that access to sport is an important part of equal participation in society.”
At the heart of The Power We Play are the athletes themselves. Their experiences, emotions and aspirations shape a documentary that moves beyond disability to focus on identity, passion and the desire to achieve something meaningful.
Nicoletta Madia, Community Manager at World Duchenne Organization and Communication and Project Manager at Gemelli University Hospital, who conceived and directed the documentary, explains:
“When we started this journey, we wanted to tell the stories of athletes whose lives had been transformed by Powerchair Football. What we discovered, travelling between Argentina, England and Italy, was something even more powerful. We met people who had found in football not only a sport, but a new way of seeing themselves and their life. We listened to stories of friendship, independence, confidence and dreams that once seemed impossible. This is a story about possibilities, about belonging and about the power of sport to change lives.”
Released just days before the 2026 FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup in Buenos Aires, the documentary offers a unique perspective on the journeys of athletes preparing to represent their countries on the international stage.
Behind every match are months of training, long journeys, organizational and financial challenges, and the essential support of families, coaches and teammates.
Beyond the competition itself, The Power We Play celebrates a global community united by passion, determination and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
About the documentary
Title: The Power We Play – How Powerchair Football Changes Lives
Release date: October 9, 2026
Countries featured: Argentina, England and Italy
A joint production by: World Duchenne Organization and Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
Conceived and directed by: Nicoletta Madia
Audiovisual production: Arim Communication
Watch the documentary here.
