How Boccia Champions Are Making a Difference
Great partnerships are built on a shared purpose. Our partnership with Boccia England is a perfect example.
Boccia has long been part of our PowerHouseGames because it is a sport that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. As our events grew, we wanted to make sure participants were getting the best possible experience.
Through conversations with Stacey, Partnerships and Engagement Manager at Boccia England, it quickly became clear that we shared the same goal: making sport more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
By working together, we found a way to make an already popular activity even better. Since then, Boccia Champions have supported PowerHouseGames across the country, from the Saracens Foundation to the University of Warwick, with even more events planned throughout the rest of the year.
Bringing Boccia to Life
The version of boccia participants experience at our PowerHouseGames may look a little different from a traditional game.
While boccia is usually played on a full-sized badminton court in singles, pairs or teams, our events are designed to make the sport accessible and enjoyable for everyone. That is where the Boccia Champions make such a difference.
Using their knowledge and experience, they adapt activities to suit each group while keeping the spirit of boccia at the heart of every session. They can introduce new challenges, simplify parts of the game or find different ways to help everyone get involved.
The success of the partnership comes from recognising what each organisation does best.
Boccia England brings specialist knowledge of the sport, while Power2Inspire creates inclusive environments where people of all ages and abilities can play together. By combining those strengths, we have created an experience that is stronger than either organisation could deliver alone.
Most importantly, it is the participants who benefit.
Creating Opportunites Beyond the Event
For many participants, it is their first introduction to boccia. We want that first experience to be positive, inclusive and the beginning of something more.
That could mean joining a local club, attending a community session or eventually progressing to competition. Together, we are helping turn a first experience of boccia into an opportunity to keep playing.
Looking Ahead
We are excited to continue growing our partnership with Boccia England, introducing more people to the sport, supporting the development of more Boccia Champions and creating stronger pathways into local clubs and competitions.
We hope every PowerHouseGames is not just an introduction to boccia, but the start of someone’s journey in the sport.
Interested in Boccia?
If you have been inspired to try boccia or are looking for a club near you, Boccia England can help you find opportunities in your local area.
You can visit their website Boccia England – The Most Inclusive Sport in England or contact them via email at info@bocciaengland.org.uk
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.
A huge thank you to Stacey Monk-Reed at Boccia England for taking the time to chat with me about the partnership. It was great to hear about everything that has been achieved so far and what’s still to come.
King's College and North Cambridge Academy PowerHouseGames 2026
Power2Inspire was delighted to deliver a second collaborative PowerHouseGames with North Cambridge Academy and Cambridge University, bringing young people from across Cambridgeshire together for another morning of inclusive sport.
Held at the University’s Wilberforce Road Sports Ground, home to Cambridge University’s athletics and hockey facilities, the event offered a different setting to previous PowerHouseGames.
The outdoor venue created a relaxed atmosphere where students, volunteers and university staff could play, connect and enjoy the morning in the sunshine.
Building on the success of the first event, 10 mixed teams were made up of students from North Cambridge Academy, Meldreth Manor School, Fairway School and Stephen Perse. They were joined by volunteers from Cambridge University, including students from King’s and Wolfson College, who helped ensure every participant felt welcome and included.
With temperatures rising at the start of the summer heatwave, everyone adapted to keep participants comfortable. Four gazebos, kindly provided by Meldreth Manor School, offered welcome shade throughout the morning, allowing everyone to enjoy the event before the hottest part of the day.
Participants took part in a range of inclusive sports, including boccia, goalball, touch rugby, walking football and kwik cricket, before everyone came together for a game of sitting volleyball to round off the morning.
The outdoor setting also created some unique moments. The university’s athletics dugouts were transformed into the courtside seating for boccia, adding a memorable twist to one of the day’s most popular activities.
For many students, the impact of the day extended far beyond the sport itself.
Narges Gonzalez, Head of School at Meldreth Manor School, said:
“I wanted to take a moment to thank you for what was an exceptional PowerHouseGames experience.
The event was not only a wonderful opportunity for our students to have fun and engage in sport, but, more importantly, it provided a platform for them to be recognised and celebrated for their individual strengths and abilities. That sense of inclusion and value was incredibly powerful.
The layout of the event felt safe, purposeful, and very well organised, which enabled our students to participate with confidence and ease. The impact this will have on their self-esteem and confidence extends far beyond the sporting activities themselves.
Thank you again for creating such a meaningful and inclusive experience. We are very grateful to have been part of it.”
Her words reflect what the PowerHouseGames are all about. While the sport creates plenty of smiles and friendly competition, the lasting impact comes from giving every young person the opportunity to feel included, valued and capable.
The event was made possible through the continued partnership between North Cambridge Academy and Cambridge University, supported by staff, students and volunteers from across the university community.
A special thank you goes to Sarah Schechter, Judith Bunbury, Simona Obeng and the students who helped make the morning such a success.
We would also like to thank Cambridge University, North Cambridge Academy, Meldreth Manor School, Fairway School and Stephen Perse for their continued support.
As this partnership continues to grow, so too does the opportunity to show that when young people of different abilities play together, everyone benefits.
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.
A Week in the Life of Power2Inspire 2026
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.
University of Warwick Canoe Polo Paddles for Inclusion 2026
Sport for a Good Cause
The University of Warwick Canoe Polo Club recently swapped lecture theatres for the pool as they hosted RAGE, a friendly charity canoe polo tournament at the University of Warwick Sports and Wellness Hub.
Over two weeks, 22 players from the University of Warwick and the University of Birmingham, ranging from complete beginners to experienced players, came together for some healthy competition, all while raising money for charity.
The tournament featured three teams, each representing a different cause. Team Ocean supported Surfers Against Sewage, Team River represented Clean Rivers Trust, and Team Lake proudly represented Power2Inspire. The charities were chosen to reflect causes close to the club’s heart, from protecting our waterways to making sport more inclusive and accessible.
More Than Just the Matches
As if the matches weren’t competitive enough, the club also introduced a fantasy league. Players could build their dream team within a budget and earn points for everything from goals and assists to saves, blocks and even refereeing. There were even points deducted for cards, adding another fun twist to the competition.
Making A Difference Through Sport
We’re delighted to say that Team Lake won the tournament, meaning the full £190 raised through entry fees and fantasy league submissions was donated to Power2Inspire.
It’s always inspiring to see students using sport to make a difference. Not only did the tournament bring people together, it also showed how sport can be a force for good, both on and off the water.
A huge thank you to everyone at the University of Warwick Canoe Polo Club for choosing to support Power2Inspire. Your generosity will help us continue creating opportunities for people of all abilities to enjoy sport together!
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.
Reading FC PowerHouseGames 2026
As someone from Reading, this PowerHouseGames felt particularly special.
Not only was it taking place in my hometown, but it was also our first-ever PowerHouseGames in partnership with a football club as we teamed up with Reading FC Community Trust.
With plenty of space to spread out at the Community Trust training centre, we had our usual line-up of activities including walking touch rugby, walking football, boccia, goalball, Kwik cricket and seated volleyball.
Everyone Coming Together
One thing I particularly noticed was how quickly everyone got stuck into the games. The cohesion of the teams was what stood out to me most at this PowerHouseGames. It was powerful to see everyone working together regardless of their age, gender or disability. We even had one student tell us that it was “really cool seeing so many different people here together”, which is exactly what Power2Inspire is all about.
The enthusiasm throughout the day was incredible. My poor camera could barely keep up.
“Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Amazing”
One student summed up the day by describing it as “really, really, really, really, really amazing”. I think the five “reallys” paint a pretty clear picture of how much they enjoyed themselves. Another student spoke about how proud she was of both herself and her team, once again highlighting the impact that comes from bringing people together and creating an environment where everyone can succeed.
The Moments That Matter
Another highlight came during the walking football. One of the wheelchair users took up position in goal and pulled off save after save. Hearing his teammates shout “great save” after each stop and seeing the smile spread across his face was a brilliant reminder of what these events are all about.
A huge thank you to our volunteers from Sport in Mind and Field Seymour Parkes LLP for getting fully involved throughout the day. I think it is fair to say some of them may have enjoyed the games just as much as the students.
Hopefully the First of Many
Thank you to Charlotte from Reading FC Community Trust for helping bring this event to life. After such a successful day, we hope it will be the first of many. A thank you also goes to Trustee Stephan Peak for helping with the setup and supporting behind the scenes throughout the day.
And finally, thank you to Alex and John. They are the driving force behind the PowerHouseGames and without their passion and commitment, days like this simply would not be possible. Seeing a PowerHouseGames take place in my hometown and witnessing the impact it had on participants was a reminder of why Power2Inspire’s mission is so important, and why we are excited for what comes next.
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.