On July 3rd, 2024, we hosted our inaugural PowerHouseGames at Canterbury Christ Church University, marking a significant step in our goal to expand into Kent and the Southeast region. What a wonderful day it was!
We welcomed five students from Newingate School, an independent special school dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for young people with autism to learn and progress towards a positive future. Additionally, four players from the local walking rugby team, Whitstable RFC Redshanks, joined us, including the father of Phil Bubb, a trustee of Power2Inspire.
It was also wonderful to have Paul Chatfield and two colleagues from TP ICAP, representing the lodge raising funds for us this year. Claire Harvey, a former rugby international and GB Paralympian in sitting volleyball, was an incredible addition as well.
Together with Year 10 and Year 12 sports leaders from Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys and Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School, we formed 10 mixed teams for the games, each comprising four or five members.
Teams competed in a carousel of five inclusive sports: Goalball, Boccia, New Age Curling, Sitting Volleyball, and Walking Touch Rugby.
While each game was met with enthusiasm, fostering camaraderie and competitive spirit, one key moment of the day stands out. At the start, two students from Newingate School were initially reluctant to participate. However, with encouragement from a brilliant sports leader from Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School, they both joined in and had a wonderful time. The teachers from Newingate were amazed at their students’ level of engagement and joy, expressing their surprise at the students’ participation. This highlighted the inclusive and welcoming environment of the PowerHouseGames and the effectiveness of our model in ensuring “no one is left on the bench.”
The day wrapped up with a competitive game of Sitting Netball! It was rather funny to hear some of the Whitstable RFC Redshanks players humorously note how exhausted they felt playing a game where you ‘can’t move’! Sitting netball should certainly never be misjudged for its physical challenge!
Another highlight of the event was the appearance of Nicky Little, a distinguished rugby player and teacher at Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys. Nicky is a rugby legend and awarded certificates to the students, which was very exciting. Claire Harvey also played a significant role in the ceremony, and we are excited to explore ambassador opportunities with both incredible athletes.
We owe a great deal of gratitude to Caroline Demetriou, Head of Business Services from Christ Church Sports and Active Health – her efforts were crucial in organising the event at the university! Her first-hand experience with disabilities and her heartfelt response to the day’s success underscored the profound impact of our initiatives.
A huge shoutout to Phil Bubb for his dual role as a Power2Inspire Trustee and Head of Physical Education at Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys. Phil has been instrumental in introducing the PowerHouseGames to the county, sparking growing interest and demand for more of our events. He brought over 25 students who served as excellent ambassadors for their school, fully embracing the inclusive spirit of the event and upholding our mission.
The enthusiasm for the PowerHouseGames was evident even beyond the event. The next day, the Canterbury Christ Church University also hosted the Vice Chancellor’s Games. Twenty companies and local charities came together for a fun sports day, together raising over £3,500 for local charities.
It was great to attend this event and receive many inquiries from individuals eager to get involved with Power2Inspire. Professor Rama Thirunamachandran, the Vice Chancellor, also expressed his delight in witnessing our PowerHouseGames, supporting our mission and wishing to strengthen the relationship between Power2Inspire and Canterbury Christ Church University. This certainly indicated a bright future for our hub initiative.
The first-ever PowerHouseGames with Canterbury Christ Church University was a resounding success, celebrating inclusion, sportsmanship, and community spirit. We look forward to many more such events in the Kent region soon!
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.
