University of Roehampton PowerHouseGames 2024
We were thrilled to return to the University of Roehampton for another unforgettable PowerHouseGames! Taking place on Friday, 22nd November 2024, at the Roehampton Sports and Fitness Centre, this PowerHouseGames was even more exciting with the announcement of Blackstone—the world’s largest alternative asset manager—as our supporter. Their team’s support, alongside the wonderful Roehampton University and community volunteers, made the day one of our biggest turnouts yet!
This year we welcomed Burlington House, St John Bosco College, Woldingham School, and Sacred Heart Primary to play a variety of our inclusive sports including Boccia, sitting volleyball, sitting netball, Kwik Cricket, goalball, and new age kurling.
The day concluded with an epic, laughter-filled 30-a-side game of sitting netball that could only be described as “hilarious chaos”!
We were honoured to welcome two incredible athletes to the event: World Ironman Championship competitor Sam Holness and rower Sam Murray who won Silver in the Mixed Double Sculls at the Paris Paralympics.
Sam Holness, who spoke openly about his autism, inspired both children and adults alike by sharing his journey of overcoming barriers and being an Ironman. A particularly heartwarming moment came when a young student raised his hand and said,
“I have autism, I’m like you.”
The idea that he too could achieve greatness – possibly competing in a world championship event – was a poignant and powerful reminder of the transformative power of sport and inclusion.
Sam Murray spoke too about how he had been left on the bench and to have opportunities like a PowerHouseGames are so important.
Sam Holness
Sam Murray
A huge thank you goes to Marilyn Holness and Sorrell Brown from the University of Roehampton for their efforts in making the day such a resounding success. This was Digby Stuart College’s third time hosting the games, and yet again, their support was brilliant.
Marilyn and Sorrell reflected on the day and shared:
“We were delighted to welcome Power2Inspire and our partner schools back to the University of Roehampton for another incredible PowerHouseGames! We were once again blown away by the fantastic energy and enthusiasm in the room from all the children and volunteers. It is an absolute joy for us to see the teams forging new friendships and having fun together through inclusive sport. A particular highlight of this year was the game of 30-a-side sitting netball at the very end – it was hilarious chaos! Our special thanks go to John & Alex, the student and external volunteers, our special guests Sam Murray and Sam Holness, and Blackstone for sponsoring the games and allowing Power2Inspire’s incredible work to continue. We already can’t wait until the next PowerHouseGames in 2025!”
It’s always a joy to see students forging new friendships and having fun together through inclusive sport. This year’s games truly embodied the spirit of inclusion and community. John Willis even described the day as
“arguably one of the BEST YET!”
and I couldn’t agree more.
The bar has been set high for 2025, but we are absolutely up for the challenge! We look forward to our final PowerHouseGames of the year – bringing our total for 2024 to an incredible 23 events!
Here’s to setting the stage for an even bigger and better 2025!
What are PowerHouseGames?
PowerHouseGames are incredible sports days using adapted games and sports, with activities designed to be accessible and fun for everyone, old and young, with disabilities and none, sporty and not. Participants are encouraged to test their beliefs about ability and disability and what it is to be different, to learn to respect other people’s differences, and Power2Inspire works with them to challenge their assumptions of what they can and cannot do.
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.
Fitzwilliam College PowerHouseGames 2024
On the 15th of November 2024, the third annual PowerHouseGames with Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, took place at the Cambridge University Sports Centre – and what a wonderful day it was!
I studied Natural Sciences at Fitzwilliam College (between 2020–2023) so it was great to be back in Cambridge for the Fitzwilliam College PowerHouseGames. In 2022, Maya Hodgson and I embraced the challenge of bringing back a distinct sense of community and inclusion in our roles as President and Vice-President of Fitzwilliam Sports and Societies.
Fitzwilliam’s emphasis on sports and society is what makes it such an incredibly welcoming college so, together with Power2Inspire, we organised the inaugural Fitzwilliam College PowerHouseGames.
You can read the Varsity article about the first Fitzwilliam College PowerHouseGames here.
This year, we welcomed students from Landmark International, Castle School and Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology (CAST). Games included Boccia, Goalball, New Age Kurling, Sitting Volleyball, Kwik Cricket, and concluded with a massive game of Sitting Netball. Personally, Kwik Cricket was my favorite—it was great to witness some incredible batting and fielding from all the teams!
During Sitting Netball, it was also brilliant to see how much the children had grown in confidence. Many of them were enthusiastically communicating with teammates from different schools as well as new faces! The atmosphere in the hall was electric, and I even noticed a few curious spectators drawn in on the balcony by the roars of joy from inside the hall!
I had the chance to speak with Emma Pretty, the current Vice-President of Sports and Societies at Fitzwilliam College, who shared:
“PowerHouseGames was such an inspiring event to be a part of, representing so clearly the power of inclusive sport in bringing communities together. It fostered a shared love of sports, with each participant contributing their individual strengths and receiving supportive encouragement to take part in new team sports and have fun.”
A huge shoutout to Emma and Joseph McGuigan, President of Sports and Societies at Fitzwilliam College, for all their hard work in organising the event, as well as the wonderful Fitz volunteers! I’d also like to extend a huge thanks to Alasdair Fletcher who rallied to bring a few more volunteers down to ensure we had enough support.
We were delighted to welcome Ed Hackett and Ben Dyer of ReGroup as volunteers. Their enthusiasm and willingness to participate fully has led us to exploring how the two organisations – Power2Inspire and ReGroup – can help each other in 2025.
Clare Laidler, from Castle School, shared her thoughts on the event:
“Castle has been attending the PowerHouseGames for a long time—it’s the highlight of our pupils’ year! We are an SEN school with a mixture of abilities and learning difficulties and are guaranteed a great morning of sports. We receive a massive welcome on arrival, support for our pupils, and interaction with understanding adults and university students (the students are always brilliant with the children). The range of sports is accessible to all levels of ability and fitness, with a focus on positivity and support. The medal ceremony at the end is always lovely. I highly recommend you go and see how amazing it is.”
If your company would like to get involved—whether through sponsorship or by providing volunteers—we’d love to hear from you! Sponsors have the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic team morning as volunteers, acting as team captains, leading students through the games, and experiencing the fun of inclusion and community cohesion firsthand.
What are PowerHouseGames?
PowerHouseGames are incredible sports days using adapted games and sports, with activities designed to be accessible and fun for everyone, old and young, with disabilities and none, sporty and not. Participants are encouraged to test their beliefs about ability and disability and what it is to be different, to learn to respect other people’s differences, and Power2Inspire works with them to challenge their assumptions of what they can and cannot do.
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.
BBC Radio Cambs at the Thousand Mile Challenge
From Monday, November 4th, to Friday, November 8th, 2024, radio presenters and BBC colleagues from radio, TV, and online platforms united to swim a collective 1,000 miles for Children in Need – a monumental fundraising effort!
Power2Inspire went along to see what it was all about.
What exactly is the Thousand Mile Challenge?
BBC Children in Need Ambassadors, including four-time Olympic medallist Rebecca
Adlington and British World Champion Mark Foster, have lent their support and encouragement, inspiring participants every step (or stroke) of the way.
Our Founder and Chief Ambassador, John Willis, headed down to support the swimmers from BBC Radio Cambridgeshire’s team and keep morale high. He emphasized that, when the swim gets tough, focusing on the beneficiaries, the children, and using that motivation to power through fatigue and mental barriers will allow the swimmers to prevail!
“Every stroke you take will be helpful to them,”
John fondly recounted how a disabled young boy once described his own unique swimming style as “star jumping in water” – a wonderful way to describe it, and another reminder of how tackling challenges inspires so many!
Gemma Stevenson, one of the BBC Radio Cambridgeshire presenters and a supporter of Power2Inspire, was among those swimming during John’s visit. She was duly cheered on from the sideline! Having supported various community and charity events, Gemma’s participation highlighted her ongoing commitment to making a difference.
Shout-out to Emma Borley, another great supporter of Power2Inspire, who was also part of the 24-mile swim. These efforts are pivotal to the BBC’s challenge and collective push to raise funds that make a tangible impact on children’s lives across the UK.
Gemma Stevenson, P2I supporter and challenge swimmer!
The success of this massive swim hinges on support from the public. Every contribution counts and brings the challenge closer to its goal. You can make a difference by donating any amount online. Click the button here.
We would also encourage everyone to make sure to tune into BBC Radio Cambridgeshire or other BBC radio stations for updates on the 1,000-mile swim challenge!
Well done to all the swimmers – you guys are incredible!
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
If you would like to support us in our mission to “embed inclusive sport in the sporting, education and community landscapes” then we would love to hear from you. We are always looking out for people willing to fundraise for Power2Inspire through their own inspiring means. Or, you could volunteer at one of our events, or you could give to the ongoing work of Power2Inspire. Click the button here to find out more.
1st PowerHouseGames at Anglia Ruskin University
We were thrilled to hold our very first PowerHouseGames in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) on Tuesday, 5th November 2024, at the Mildmay Sports Hall on the Chelmsford Campus. This marked the first PowerHouseGames in Essex and exceeded all our expectations!
The ARU PowerHouseGames brought together Quilters Junior School, Brentwood County High School and the Lily Rose Daycare Center, alongside 14 volunteers from ARU who ensured the day ran smoothly.
Quilters Junior School brought their Year 5’s who John had recently visited during the school’s Paralympic Week! Lily Rose Daycare Center brought 15 older disabled participants, aged 18 to 30, who brought an energy and enthusiasm that made the day even more special.
In total, we had ten teams of five players who played our classic lineup of inclusive and adapted games: sitting volleyball, goalball, boccia, New Age Kurling, and walking football.
The highlight of the day has got to have been an exhilarating final game of sitting netball, where the spirit of inclusion, camaraderie and joy truly shone. A participant from Lily Rose Daycare Center, seated on the floor, made an incredible dive to catch the ball. His face lit up upon doing so, and then he threw the ball from a whopping five meters away towards the hoop. It seamlessly fell straight into the hoop, scoring for his team! Collective cheers of applause erupted, and the hall was filled with excitement. This encapsulated the electric atmosphere and delight felt by everyone present at the PowerHouseGames that day.
Phil Lockwood from Brentwood County High School loved the day, praising the games and noting their unique impact. He brought along students who often miss out on traditional sporting opportunities due to various challenges, including a young sports enthusiast with a heart condition who is often unable to participate in sports lessons. However, our inclusive and adapted games were perfect, and they were able to participate for the entire day. This truly highlighted the crucial importance of inclusive sports in fostering belonging and opportunity for all.
Similarly, Michelle from Lily Rose Daycare Center also shared her enthusiasm, expressing her desire to build on the day’s success and foster a future partnership.
A special thanks goes to Gayle Miller, Ross Whitaker amd Chief Operating Officer James Rolfe who organised the event from ARU’s side, ensuring everything ran smoothly!
Best described by David Ellis, our seasoned Power2Inspire volunteer, the day was
“utterly brilliant.”
The first PowerHouseGames at ARU was a resounding success, and we are already looking forward to being back!
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.
AVEVA London PowerHouseGames 2024
On 11th October 2024, we were delighted to partner with the team at AVEVA as we held our first ever PowerHouseGames at Whitechapel Sports Centre in London.
Following the success of our PowerHouseGames with Cambridge University Rackets Club – that welcomed AVEVA volunteers – the previous week, we were extremely excited to meet even more AVEVA employees and get them to experience the power of inclusive sports.
Read more by clicking the event photo above
The day welcomed students from Plashet School and Mulberry Academy London Dock, as well as a group of eight individuals from a disability group based in Tower Hamlets. Additionally, we had a total of 17 corporate volunteers from AVEVA and 8 volunteers from Imperial College London participate, making it a truly collaborative and diverse occasion.
For most of us, getting to the venue by train was incredibly simple! Exit the station, look up, and the doors to the sports centre have practically opened for you! However, for those driving, it was a far more challenging task. Thankfully, with the help of a few locals, John managed to park a few roads away. We might gloss over the dreaded parking ticket we found on John’s car at the end of the day – annoying, but spirits remained high after the wonderful morning! Once parked, AVEVA employees collectively brought all our wonderful equipment to the centre ready for the school students. As well as this, a huge thank you must go to Royston Collins for bringing the disability group to the centre by bus and communicating effortlessly with us to make sure they could participate despite logistical obstacles.
The games played included boccia, new age kurling, sitting volleyball, walking football, and goalball, with all activities rotated so that everyone could experience different sports. Ten mixed teams, wearing colourful T-shirts, all experienced the power of inclusive sports, whilst building communication skills, confidence, and teamwork abilities.
Once the games were underway, I whizzed to Sainsbury’s to make sure we had snacks for the break! Under John’s instructions, we had 30 minutes, but with the help of two wonderful volunteers, we managed to get back in exactly 22 minutes and 23 seconds – record speed! During the break, it was wonderful to witness how comfortable and excited the students from Plashet School and Mulberry Academy London Dock already were. Not only were they expressing their enthusiasm for the games, but they were also encouraging each other ahead of the next rounds and eager to get back on their feet.
The disability group from Tower Hamlets arrived at this time, which was wonderfully timed! Teams grew in numbers, and we commenced the next rounds of games. The event was filled with heartwarming moments, but the integration of the disability group into each team, where they contributed their skills and joy, truly lifted the energy in the hall and everyone’s spirits.
One of the standout activities for me was sitting volleyball, where students and volunteers cheered each other on, fostering teamwork and boosting each other’s confidence. One student even approached a volunteer, John, and shared,
“This is the best sports day I’ve ever had. Everyone is happy, no one is sad. It is so inclusive.”
The day concluded with an exhilarating game of sitting netball, where the entire hall erupted with laughter and excitement. A highlight was noted by Emmet O’Reilly from AVEVA, who expressed that a student said,
“This is the most inclusive game I have ever played,”
and his team also expressed,
“I also feel great, there are so many benefits, and I’ve tried new games.”
This PowerHouseGames event was more than just a day of sports; it was a beautiful display of community, inclusivity, and the power of working together. I truly noticed, more than ever before, that the benefits of our events are simply endless for EVERYONE involved.
We look forward to being back at Whitechapel and partnering with AVEVA very soon!
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.