Power2Inspire reached another milestone by holding the 7th Games2Inspire at the fantastic Perse Upper School in Cambridge on Friday, 15th June 2024. What a memorable time it was!
Ahead of the day, on Monday, May 20th, I had the privilege of visiting Perse Upper School once again for a pre-assembly with some of the students before our Games2Inspire on Friday. This initial visit clearly built excitement among the students and set the stage for what was to come.
On the day of the event, I kicked things off with a longer assembly. This was my chance to delve deeper into the games, explain why we play them, and share some stories from my own life, especially on the theme of overcoming challenges, perhaps against the odds in the eyes of others. I also demonstrated some of the gadgets I used during my Road2Rio challenge, where I tackled all 34 Olympic and Paralympic sports. The students were fascinated by this, and it was lovely to reflect on 2016 and that wonderful challenge!
Then the games commenced!
We had six different rotations featuring five inclusive sports: Boccia, Goalball, Sitting Volleyball, New Age Kurling, and Sitting Netball. As with all Games2Inspire, these activities were inclusive and engaging for all. The school also held a brilliant inclusive kilometre where students of all abilities could run, walk, wheel, skip or jump to the finish line! It was also lovely to see the school run a #108challenge as part of their fundraising for Power2Inspire. It is always wonderful to see the legacy of my own #108challenge Kayak continue into 2024 and I hope to encourage more schools, individuals and organisations to participate in their own #108challenge. The day before, the schools had a non-uniform day to boost their fundraising efforts, which was a fantastic success. Prizes were up for grabs for the class and individual who raised the most funds.
We welcomed Year 8 students this year who were divided into six form classes. They all participated with great enthusiasm.
Despite the rather showery weather, our games were hosted indoors in the school’s wonderful sports hall. It turned out great! I supervised the sitting netball, where we had two games running simultaneously. The students played with immense energy and joy, swapping teams to keep things dynamic and exciting.
There was a lot of laughter and fun, but it was also interesting to see how quickly students realised how tiring sitting netball can be. This was a great eye-opener for many students, highlighting that inclusive sports are challenging, inspire teamwork and allow all anyone to develop their initial skill set.
At the end of each session, I opened the floor to questions. Many were curious about my journey and how I overcame my physical challenges. I shared that I was born without fully formed arms and legs and emphasised my mother’s always telling me: “There’s no such word as can’t.”
I’ve now adapted this to say, “There is a word called can’t, but I just can’t do it….yet.”
A particularly special moment for me was when Emma Kenzie, the Games2Inspire coordinator for the school for the past few years, brought in her seven-week-old baby, Rosie. Emma, currently on maternity leave, believed it was essential for Rosie to witness the Games2Inspire! It was a touching moment that I truly loved!
A big shout-out must go to Elise Jacob too, who took over the coordination from Emma this year. She did a fantastic job ensuring everything ran smoothly and with great success.
Working with Perse School has been a wonderful experience throughout the Power2Inspire journey, and I am grateful we get to continue this partnership.
The students’ enthusiasm, the supportive staff, and the overall spirit of inclusivity made this Games2Inspire at The Perse Upper School the best year yet and I look forward to more fun-filled events here in the future.
What are Games2Inspire?
Games2Inspire events are incredible events, most often hosted in schools, with an assembly and sports day which includes activities designed to be accessible and fun for everyone, with disabilities and none, sporty and not. Participants get to meet our inspirational founder, John Willis, and hear all about how John has overcome obstacles in his life. They then get to put that learning to practice by playing adapted games and sports together learning new skills and being encouraged to test their beliefs about ability and disability and what it is to be different, learning to respect other people’s differences. Power2Inspire works with them to challenge their assumptions of what they can and cannot do.
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
If you are interested in hosting a Games2Inspire in your school / college / company / community group 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.
