During our preseason, a selection of volunteers from both the men’s and women’s sides of CURUFC came together to take part in Power2Inspire’s PowerHouseGames.
With the motto ‘No one left on the bench’, the PowerHouseGames is a multi-team event playing inclusive and adapted sports, bringing together a wide range of people of all ages and abilities to enjoy a day of sport.
Since 2018, the PowerHouseGames has provided an opportunity for Cambridge University sports clubs to engage with local schools and improve inclusivity in sport.
We were privileged to be joined by three local schools; Landmark International, Bottisham VC and Castle School, for this year’s event, with participants split into 10 groups, each given a brightly coloured team t-shirt to wear for the day.
Led by CURUFC members, each team brought together students from each of the schools, giving all participants a chance to meet new people, develop teamwork skills and consider inclusivity in the sports on offer. Friendly competition soon developed as the games were declared open!
Kevin Martin, PE teacher at Castle School, shared why the school continues to return to the PowerHouseGames:
“What we really love is that it gets our kids into an environment where they can mix with students and adults from all different backgrounds, and it’s just great for them. They love it, and they always come back with a smile on their face and talk about the new friends they made.”
The PowerHouseGames rotates around a wide range of adapted and inclusive sports, with each team colour competing against another. Boccia and New Age Kurling, either with or without the help of ramps and sticks, tested our accuracy. Kwik Cricket and walking rugby-netball put our teamwork to the test as members adapted their roles within the team to best suit their abilities, while also considering the strengths of others.
Goalball required strong communication and teamwork, helping each other to succeed in scoring points and defending the other team’s attempts. The inclusive environment of the PowerHouseGames even fostered adaptation to work together as teams, for example by aiming to achieve the highest rally possible in seated volleyball.
For Phil from Castle School, the opportunity to experience different sports is a particular highlight:
“It’s all inclusive and everyone gets to take part in lots of different sports that they might not experience at other times.”
Helen Seabourne from Landmark International also highlighted how much the students value the opportunity to try activities they don’t usually have access to:
“It’s really lovely for them to do all of these different sports. A lot of these, we don’t have the equipment. It makes it special coming here.”
The Games finished with a whole-group game of sitting netball, bringing everyone together, regardless of ability, to play one ultimate community game. This was followed by an awards ceremony, with all teams earning medals and certificates for their participation in a great day of inclusive sport.
For CURUFC members, the Games provide the opportunity to give back to the community, while growing as leaders and bonding as a team. The first rule of the PowerHouseGames is ‘to have fun’, and undoubtedly all participants left with smiles on their faces.
CURUFC would like to thank the whole team at Power2Inspire for providing such a brilliant day of inclusive sport that all members thoroughly enjoyed. Particular thanks go to founder John Willis for his leadership and support during this year’s games.
It is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the preseason schedule and an event that many returning members look forward to year after year. As a club, we look forward to continuing our involvement in such a wonderful event next year!
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.
A huge thank you to Sophie Casey from Cambridge University Rugby for taking the time to write this blog and share the club’s experience of this year’s PowerHouseGames.
