We were thrilled to hold our very first PowerHouseGames in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) on Tuesday, 5th November 2024, at the Mildmay Sports Hall on the Chelmsford Campus. This marked the first PowerHouseGames in Essex and exceeded all our expectations!
The ARU PowerHouseGames brought together Quilters Junior School, Brentwood County High School and the Lily Rose Daycare Center, alongside 14 volunteers from ARU who ensured the day ran smoothly.
Quilters Junior School brought their Year 5’s who John had recently visited during the school’s Paralympic Week! Lily Rose Daycare Center brought 15 older disabled participants, aged 18 to 30, who brought an energy and enthusiasm that made the day even more special.
In total, we had ten teams of five players who played our classic lineup of inclusive and adapted games: sitting volleyball, goalball, boccia, New Age Kurling, and walking football.
The highlight of the day has got to have been an exhilarating final game of sitting netball, where the spirit of inclusion, camaraderie and joy truly shone. A participant from Lily Rose Daycare Center, seated on the floor, made an incredible dive to catch the ball. His face lit up upon doing so, and then he threw the ball from a whopping five meters away towards the hoop. It seamlessly fell straight into the hoop, scoring for his team! Collective cheers of applause erupted, and the hall was filled with excitement. This encapsulated the electric atmosphere and delight felt by everyone present at the PowerHouseGames that day.
Phil Lockwood from Brentwood County High School loved the day, praising the games and noting their unique impact. He brought along students who often miss out on traditional sporting opportunities due to various challenges, including a young sports enthusiast with a heart condition who is often unable to participate in sports lessons. However, our inclusive and adapted games were perfect, and they were able to participate for the entire day. This truly highlighted the crucial importance of inclusive sports in fostering belonging and opportunity for all.
Similarly, Michelle from Lily Rose Daycare Center also shared her enthusiasm, expressing her desire to build on the day’s success and foster a future partnership.
A special thanks goes to Gayle Miller, Ross Whitaker amd Chief Operating Officer James Rolfe who organised the event from ARU’s side, ensuring everything ran smoothly!
Best described by David Ellis, our seasoned Power2Inspire volunteer, the day was
“utterly brilliant.”
The first PowerHouseGames at ARU was a resounding success, and we are already looking forward to being back!
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
Would your university sports team, or school love to be involved in a PowerHouseGames? Could your company support our mission by volunteering at one of our PowerHouseGames? If so, then we would love to hear from you. We are also always looking out for people willing to fundraise for Power2Inspire through their own inspiring means. Or, you could volunteer individually at one of our events, or you could give to the ongoing work of Power2Inspire. There are SO MANY WAYS we can all help to ensure “no on else is left on the bench!” Click the button here to find out more.
