Following our incredibly successful Games2Inspire at Ashford School in December, we were thrilled to host the first-ever PowerHouseGames at Ashford School on Friday, 7th June. This marked a significant milestone in our mission to promote sports inclusivity in Kent and the Southeast. We are overjoyed at how wonderful this day turned out to be!
Students from Ashford School, new local state secondary school, Chilmington Green School and local special needs school, Wyvern School, came together to participate in various inclusive sports: boccia, new age kurling, goalball, and a giant game of sitting netball. Ashford School also runs a wonderful Sports Leader’s programme enabling year 12 sports leaders to get involved and lead mixed teams of six students each. And the best part? Seeing the incredible engagement, contribution, and growth of these young leaders!
The feedback we received from the teachers at Chilmington Green and Wyvern School – schools where Power2Inspire hasn’t hosted any events before – was heartwarming!
One of the standout moments of the day was watching a typically shy young boy diving headfirst into playing goalball. An impressive Sports Leader from Ashford School stepped up as a sports leader and really connected with him, boosting his confidence and enabling him to engage eagerly in sitting netball. The smile on his face and his visible delight were truly priceless. One particularly touching moment was when he scored a point in sitting netball, sparking a joyous group celebration for him!
Another girl, requiring assistance walking, brilliantly mastered the game of sitting volleyball! Even while sitting on a chair – we adapt to help everyone – with a powerful kick, she scored a point over the net, marking a triumphant moment for the entire group. A boy, who at first struggled to engage with the group, found his confidence by the fourth round, leading to a moment of immense pride for his teachers.
It was clear the event had a profound impact on the Sports Leaders too, who may have questioned its purpose at the start! Their transformative experience was shown through their enthusiastic leadership and engagement with their teams.
A big thank you goes to Phil Bubb, whose instrumental efforts as a trustee and former teacher at Ashford School made these games possible. And to Toby Grieves, deputy head (co-curricular) at Ashford School, who grabbed the baton and is keen to build on the success of this first PowerHouseGames. The excitement, enthusiasm, and support from the visiting teachers, endorsed the concept and sparked the desire for more PowerHouseGames!
Reflecting on this event, I am deeply moved by the inclusivity, joy, and engagement displayed by all participants. The PowerHouseGames at Ashford exemplified the true spirit of inclusive sports, creating lasting memories for everyone involved. Here’s to many more such events in the Kent region in the future!
What are PowerHouseGames?
PowerHouseGames are incredible sports days using adapted games and sports, with activities designed to be accessible and fun for everyone, old and young, with disabilities and none, sporty and not. Participants are encouraged to test their beliefs about ability and disability and what it is to be different, to learn to respect other people’s differences, and Power2Inspire works with them to challenge their assumptions of what they can and cannot do.
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.
