I recently had the pleasure of attending Power2Inspire’s iconic PowerHouseGames event, and their Festival of Inclusive Golf 2022.

Having recently worked alongside John and the team, I have been incredibly inspired by his story and his passion to host so many fantastic and varied events that encourage people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to get involved with sport. However, attending the events in person brought a whole new meaning to them.

I attended a PowerHouseGames at Cambridge University’s Sports Ground, supported by volunteers from Cambridge University’s Hawks and Ospreys clubs. The event brought together a local independent, state and SEN school in an afternoon filled with fun and accessible sports games. These included walking football, kurling, kwik cricket and sitting volleyball. Children were encouraged to step out of their comfort zone by being grouped with children from other schools as well as volunteers from the Hawks and Ospreys.

Seeing children of all abilities having such an amazing time was heartwarming. The sports pitch was not only filled with adapted and exciting games, but smiles, laughter and positivity. Often, it was difficult to spot disability – this is when it’s clear that inclusion is at play

I also attended Power2Inspire’s Festival of Inclusive Golf at Cambridge Lakes Golf Course. This event was kindly sponsored by Taylor Vinters, meaning that participants were able to join in with an afternoon of friendly golf free of charge.

This event saw people of all ages and abilities teamed up together to play golf under the ‘Texas Scramble’ rules – meaning that everyone had the opportunity to contribute to the team’s score. This style of golf was positively welcomed – with many of the attendees commenting on how these rules make the competition so much more accessible and enjoyable.

Having spent the afternoon immersing myself in the festival, the overwhelming feeling was one of calm and relaxation. The pure enjoyment from everyone who attended was clear to see. I spoke with one attendee who told me that often it’s the ‘barriers’ in his life that ‘make him feel disabled, not the disability itself’, but Power2Inspire’s events help him to overcome such barriers and make him feel ‘more included than he ever has done before’.