The Sports Trust Folkestone PowerHouseGames 2026
We hosted our second Folkestone PowerHouseGames in partnership with The Sports Trust in May at Three Hills Sports Park, bringing together 59 students from five schools across Folkestone and Ashford.
Led by Sarah Green, Schools Games Organiser for the Folkestone and Hythe district, students enjoyed a morning of inclusive sports including, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, boccia, goalball and new age kurling.
We were honoured to be joined by Emma Brown, who represents Team GB at Deaf futsal. Starting her football career at the age of 14 in the Manchester United U16 girls’ team, Emma has previously spoken about her struggles being the only deaf player on the squad. Communication was often a challenge, especially not being able to hear everything her coach said.
Emma highlights the importance inclusive sport can play in bringing people together, creating a sense of belonging and reducing isolation:
“In our deaf community, football plays a huge role as for some of the team it’s the only time they get to mix with other deaf people.”
Emma led the deaf futsal activity on the day, which is an indoor version of football played with five players and a smaller ball. Participants wore ear defenders so they had to pay particular focus on using their body language to communicate with each other.
Students from the Harvey Grammar School in Folkestone took on the role of team captains, leading 12 teams made up of students from each school in attendance: Turner Free School, The Beacon, Folkestone College Inclusive Provision and Wyvern.
A mix of abilities including SEND, students worked together practicing communication skills and participating in sports which promote inclusivity and team work.
Leila Ilkhan, Power2Inspire trustee said:
“It was a privilege to be part of the day and see students of all abilities, levels of fitness and sporting experience come together. The smiles said it all and the feedback from teachers is a testament to the importance of inclusive sport for physical and emotional development.”
Teachers from the schools that participated said:
“I have two students who said they wouldn’t be able to do anything. By the break, they had started to say they can do these things.”
“Thank you for proving this wonderfully inclusive and engaging experience!”
A special thank you to the event sponsors: Folkestone and Hythe Lions Club who were represented by Ben Potter from the Arrows Wheelchair Basketball Club, Channel Rotary Club and New Age Sports who were represented by Theo Denton.
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.
