On Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th May 2025, I had the pleasure of returning to Abacus Primary School in Wickford, Essex, for our third Games2Inspire event – and this time, we spread the fun over two days! Hosted by the brilliant team at Abacus and delivered by Power2Inspire, the event brought together over 120 enthusiastic pupils each day from both Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 1 for a celebration of inclusive sport, a total of 240 happy children.
There was an assembly on each day – mercifully after lunch on the first day as I had overslept, following the SuperSensory Inclusive Kilometre on the Monday – and then workshops with each year group through each day.
The upper playground was alive with excitement as the pupils rotated through a variety of adapted games. KS2 pupils tried their hands at Goalball, Sitting Netball, New Age Kurling, and Boccia, while KS1 enjoyed Goalball, Boccia, and Sitting Volleyball. Each child had to engage in working together in small groups, learning new skills, and, most importantly, having fun. The sun shone, even if it was a little chilly, laughter filled the air, and the school’s staff supported every moment with energy and care.
As always, the children’s curiosity and openness were a highlight. For the first time, I was asked this particularly thoughtful question:
“How do you keep your ‘paws’ warm, since gloves wouldn’t fit?”
For those who don’t know, I have no hands and refer to my shortened arms as my ‘paws’. I explained to the class that, on cold days, I simply pop a sock over my right paw—it’s the perfect fit and keeps me toasty!
The children’s fascination and empathy were truly heartwarming, and it was a lovely reminder of the power of honest conversation and shared experience.
A huge thank you to the staff at Abacus Primary for their warm welcome and seamless organisation, and to all the pupils for their boundless enthusiasm. Events like these, show just how much joy inclusive sport can bring, and why we say: No one is left on the bench!
Here’s to many more Games2Inspire at Abacus—where every question is welcome, and every child can shine.
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.
