We are delighted to share the success of our third annual PowerHouseGames with VISA, one of our Power2Inspire partners! The event took place on the 26th of June 2024 at the Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre and brought together a community of local schools and other partner organisations.
The event was sponsored by VISA’s 2 ERGs Viable and Young Professionals – a special thanks to Jacquie Daley and Romi Trimmer for their support!
We welcomed one independent school, Bradfield College, and one special needs school, Brookfields School, to take part, as well as 22 VISA volunteers and 5 incredible sports stars, which was wonderful.
This year we were joined by:
Rosie Williams
One of Power2Inspire’s ambassadors and U12 All Round British Disability Champion. Rosie is a tremendous athlete and continues to show you succeed even if you or other people think that the odds are against you.
Ben Lawniczak
Ben is a deaf England rugby player, and has played both hooker and prop! He is known for his exceptional skills and leadership on the pitch and was brilliant with participants at the games.
Danny Sapsford
Danny is a former professional tennis player, has competed in major tournaments, including Wimbledon. With a successful career spanning over a decade, he now focuses on coaching and inspiring the next generation of tennis players.
Eric Fry
Eric is a USA rugby international and professional rugby player, represented his club and country in many competitions in England, France, and the USA. Eric’s dedication to teamwork and sportsmanship is evident in his extensive career and community involvement.
Imogen Longworth
Imogen is a wheelchair basketball player, has played for Worcester Wolves and England Under 18, winning a bronze medal at that level. She is still on the England wheelchair basketball pathway and loved the PowerHouseGames in Worcester so much that she wanted to be part of the VISA Games too! She came all the way from Carlisle – an extraordinary effort!
Everyone came together to play inclusive and adapted games including boccia, new age kurling, and walking football. The event was a vibrant celebration of sportsmanship and community spirit, leaving a lasting impact on all who participated.
The students encouraged each other to test their beliefs about ability and disability and what it is to be different, to learn to respect other people’s differences and understand how they can improve and grow.
Vicky Pye, Executive Assistant at Visa Europe, said
“No matter your disability you work as a team and understand each other’s strengths. It was a great day!”
Robert Healy, Visa volunteer also said,
“It was great to meet the junior athletes at the PowerHouseGames – they grew in stature and confidence throughout the various activities, and they really enjoyed themselves in the games.”
John Willis, Founder and Chief Ambassador of Power2Inspire said,
“I am thrilled VISA have partnered with us for a third time, and their representatives’ joy and enthusiasm for the games continues to shine brightly and promises an enduring partnership. The sports stars’ willingness to engage fully in these inclusive sports and to share their stories showcases Power2Inspire’s determination to ensure ‘No one is left on the bench’.”
We are hugely grateful to all the schools and volunteers who made this day so brilliant, as well as Bisham Abbey for hosting us so well. It’s such a brilliant event to look forward to in our calendar!
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.
With special thanks to Paul Sanwell of OP Photography for his fantastic photography on the day. All photos used with permission
