Five Events in Five Days
Some weeks are busier than others, and this was certainly one of them.
Over five days, we delivered three PowerHouseGames, a Games2Inspire, an assembly and a charity fundraiser. From Bisham Abbey to Suffolk, it was a week packed full of activity and plenty of memorable moments.
Monday: Bisham Abbey PowerHouseGames
We kicked off the week with our fifth PowerHouseGames at Bisham Abbey in partnership with Serco. Joined by British Biathlon, Boccia England, Sport in Mind and Olympic hockey medallist Ellie Rayer, the event brought together mainstream pupils and children with additional needs to play sport together and have fun.
One of the best things about the day was seeing how quickly the participants connected with one another. By the end, many of the young people who had arrived as strangers were chatting, laughing and encouraging each other like old friends.
We are incredibly grateful to Serco for their continued support. We have even had people asking if they can volunteer again next time, which shows just how much the event resonated with everyone involved.
Tuesday: ISA Sport PowerHouseGames at Leighton Park
Tuesday brought sunshine and our fourth year in partnership with Leighton Park School and the Independent School Association. With more than 80 participants from seven schools, it was another fantastic example of what can happen when young people come together through inclusive sport.
The energy throughout the day was brilliant. A huge thank you to the Leighton Park sports leaders who ran each of the activity stations. They did a fantastic job making participants feel welcome, and we hope the experience gave them valuable insight into inclusive sport.
One of the highlights of the day was seeing young people realise they were capable of more than they thought. Whether it was trying a new sport or stepping outside their comfort zone, it was fantastic to watch their confidence grow.
Wednesday: Warden Hill Junior School Games2Inspire
Wednesday was certainly full on.
After speaking to around 480 pupils in assembly, we then worked with each year group throughout the day, meaning around 120 pupils at a time were taking part in Games2Inspire activities. It was loud and energetic, but seeing so many young people engage with the message of inclusion made every minute worthwhile.
A huge thank you to Trustee Mark Howard for helping deliver the day and to the fantastic staff at Warden Hill Junior School for making us feel so welcome.
One moment from the day that stayed with us came afterwards, when a pupil wrote to John to say how inspired they felt after hearing his story. Having recently received a medical diagnosis, they said it had given them the confidence to believe in themselves again.
Moments like that are a reminder that the impact of these visits often extends far beyond the day itself.
Thursday: Perse School and Cambridge University Football Club
Thursday began with an assembly at The Perse School as part of their non-uniform day before we headed across Cambridge for something a little different.
Cambridge University Football Club hosted a charity football tournament in support of Power2Inspire. Despite the heat, 15 women’s players and eight men’s teams took part in a fantastic afternoon of football, with the club expecting to raise more than £400 for the charity.
The club hopes to make the tournament an annual tradition, and with support from Tim Cooper of Cooper Trophies, who generously donated the trophies and medals, it was a brilliant success. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part and helped raise funds to support more inclusive sport.
Friday: Suffolk Schools PowerHouseGames
We rounded off the week with our fifth event in five days at the Suffolk School PowerHouseGames.
As always, it was the small moments that stood out most. One young boy was persuaded by John to sit near the net during sitting netball and ended up scoring for his team. The smile on his face afterwards said everything.
Teachers from Churchill School spoke about how much it meant to see some students who had been reluctant to join in become fully engaged by the end of the day. For some young people who experience social anxiety or find school environments challenging, simply taking part can be a huge achievement.
Supported by fantastic sports leaders and volunteers, the day was another reminder of why the PowerHouseGames have such a lasting impact.
Five Days, One Mission
By the end of the week, we had travelled hundreds of miles, worked with hundreds of young people and witnessed so many moments that reminded us why we do what we do.
Every event was different, but the message was the same. When sport is designed for everyone, everyone can belong.
After five events in five days, we might have been tired, but we were already looking forward to doing it all again.
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.
