The concept of Rise came from Co-founder Rob Oyston in 2018, who developed the idea for the seated sports-based programme after his own recovery from a life-threatening illness.

Whilst Rob was coming to terms with his situation in hospital, he saw people around him whose self-worth and self-confidence were dramatically impacted as they came to terms with life changing implications from the illnesses that they had suffered. Rob decided to create a science-led, fun and engaging seated sports programme to allow people of all abilities to engage in sport and competition… and the concept of Rise was born!

Rob originally launched the programme in the care home sector, where the vibrancy of classes and inclusivity of the adapted sports activities won over the hearts and minds of residents. Now Rise is in a wide range of settings, including hospices, village halls, NHS settings, schools and even corporate events, such as conferences and team building events.

In 2021, Rob joined forces with Trevor Brocklebank, founder of Home Instead Senior Care UK, and the Rise franchise has grown across UK thereafter.