In September 2018, something truly groundbreaking happened at the Cambridge University Sports Centre. It was the birth of PowerHouseGames, an event that would go on to shape Power2Inspire’s mission of inclusion through sport.
It all started when Jeremy Macklin, a Cambridge University rugby alumnus and fellow law student, reconnected with John Willis. After learning about Power2Inspire, Jeremy immediately saw an opportunity:
“This would be brilliant for the Cambridge University Rugby Club.”
He recognised that student-athletes could benefit from an event that would broaden their perspective, reminding them how lucky they were, and that inclusion and teamwork can change lives. Little did we know that Jeremy would go on to Chair the charity.
Bringing people together
John and Jeremy set out to create a truly inclusive experience, reaching out to:
- Cambridge University Men’s and Women’s Rugby Teams – making history as the first time both teams participated equally in an event like this.
- Castle School – with Kevin Martin, a passionate supporter, bringing 12 students with disabilities (filling a minibus!).
- Felsted School – Jeremy’s alma mater, adding more enthusiastic participants.
- PEM brokers – whose involvement was sparked by Stephen Peak, a father of a child with disabilities, who immediately saw the value of the event.
- Impington Village College – a state school, expanding the reach of inclusive sport.
This diverse group of participants created an atmosphere where ability didn’t matter—teamwork did.
The power of inclusive sport
The first-ever PowerHouseGames featured a mix of adapted sports, including:
- 🏉 Touch Rugby
- ⚽ Walking Football
- 🎯 New Age Kurling
- 🏐 Sitting Volleyball
- 🏆 Goalball
The event exceeded expectations. What started as an experiment quickly became a powerful movement. Seeing athletes and students play together, breaking barriers, was nothing short of inspiring.
One of the most defining moments was when a blind and deaf student joined the games. Kevin Martin simply said:
“Hope it’s okay, John. I’m bringing a deaf and blind girl.”
Of course, it was more than okay—it was a moment that defined inclusion.
A foam rugby ball was adapted, and each game was adjusted to ensure she could fully participate. Then, something incredible happened:
A towering second-row rugby player leapt into the air, shrieking with joy. Why?
His team had just helped the deaf and blind girl score a try.
To him, it felt like scoring at Twickenham.
It was in that single moment of celebration that PowerHouseGames’ impact was truly understood – this was about more than just sport.
The event’s success was also thanks to Catherine Stewart, who, alongside her daughters, created a fund in memory of her late husband, supporting the initiative. Catherine’s passion for inclusion led her to persuade Stephen Peak to bring PEM Brokers on board, strengthening the event’s impact and ensuring its long-term success.
The first PowerHouseGames also led to some important traditions:
Lessons that last
- Matching T-shirts – At first, they weren’t considered necessary, but soon became a core part of the experience, making every player feel equal
- Teams named by colours, not clubs – Originally, teams were named after rugby clubs, but players naturally referred to their team colours, shaping the format used today.
- Timetables and logistics – Organising such an inclusive event took some of the most complicated Excel spreadsheets ever!
But beyond logistics, the biggest lesson was simple: inclusion isn’t about making exceptions—it’s about making adjustments so that everyone can take part.
It truly was the start of something special. From that first day in September 2018, the PowerHouseGames concept has grown and flourished, now bringing inclusive sport to schools, universities, and businesses across the UK. This was where it all began—the moment Power2Inspire proved that sport truly is for everyone.
#InclusionThroughSport #PowerHouseGames #12StoriesFor12Years
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
If you would like to support us in our mission to “embed inclusive sport in the sporting, education and community landscapes” then we would love to hear from you. We are always looking out for people willing to fundraise for Power2Inspire through their own inspiring means. Or, you could volunteer at one of our events, or you could give to the ongoing work of Power2Inspire. Click the button here to find out more.
