Hawks & Ospreys PowerHouseGames 2026
The first ever PowerHouseGames (PHG) on a Sunday; the first ever with the Dwarf Sports Association; and the first at St Faith’s School in their wonderful sports hall. It was also our fourth with the Hawks Ospreys, our third of 2026 – on the road to a very ambitious 40 in the calendar year – and our 95th of all time.
But enough of the numbers. What did the participants make of it? Two mothers (of children in the DSA) said:
“We had such a lovely time, thank you Power2Inspire for organising. Looking forward to the next one”,
and,
“Thank you so much for today, we all had a great time, and the boys are already asking if there is another one. They absolutely loved the university students too. It was such a great day and lovely for them to do so many different sports. So wonderful they could enjoy sports with their parents!”
It was a joy from start to finish, and a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.
In addition to the 9 families from the Dwarf Sports Association, there were 26 Hawks and Ospreys, a couple of Castle School families and a few St Faith’s pupils to fly the home flag. Ten mixed teams of five or six players took on a carousel of inclusive sports. Each team, proudly sporting its own brightly coloured T‑shirts, moved between boccia, goalball, new age kurling, sitting volleyball, walking football and, to finish, a giant game of sitting netball.
As ever, Rule Number 1 was to have fun – and my goodness, did they take that to heart!
Hawks and Ospreys students arrived early for their briefing, learning how to lead the games so they could explain them confidently to DSA members and other participants.
The games themselves produced countless moments to treasure. Boccia brought out tactical genius and quiet concentration, and it was lovely to see the school provide different height and size chairs for participants to choose.
Watching university students kneel down to eye level, gently demonstrate a kurling pusher, or guide a teammate into position for goalball was humbling; anyone who ever doubts the younger generation should come to a PowerHouseGames.
It was marked today: the height of the Hawks and Ospreys in comparison with the DSA members and families seemed to emphasise the compassion on display.
The giant sitting netball at the end was, for me, the highlight. With the whole hall involved, foam balls flying from hand to hand, everyone had a role – passer, catcher, blocker, shooter – and everyone could contribute, whatever their height, speed or experience. The roar that greeted a carefully looped pass into a shooter’s hands, followed by a successful shot, said everything about inclusion: that sense of being part of a team, of being valued, of scoring not just a point but a memory.
Hawks and Ospreys students arrived early for their briefing, learning how to lead the games so they could explain them confidently to DSA members and other participants.
The games themselves produced countless moments to treasure. Boccia brought out tactical genius and quiet concentration, and it was lovely to see the school provide different height and size chairs for participants to choose.
We could not have run the afternoon without the steadfast support of St Faith’s staff – thank you Liz and Hannah – who opened the site on a Sunday, managed access through Gate 1 and ensured the hall, equipment and facilities were all ready for us. Also a big thanks to Crispin Hyde-Dunn, head at St Faith’s, who joined us to officially open the Games and show his and the school’s support. These partnerships make it possible to create the magic.
Nor could we have done it without the Hawks Ospreys students, who once again gave up their time – especially on a Sunday morning – to cheer, coach and console in equal measure. Behind the scenes, our volunteers – a big shout out to Mark and Maria – sorted snacks, T‑shirts, medals and certificates, so that every participant left not only with mementos, but with the glow that comes from having been part of something special.
Annemarie Pye, from the Dwarf Sports Association reflected:
“Thank you for last Sunday, it was a great event and everyone from DSA thoroughly enjoyed it. The young people from Hawks & Ospreys were wonderful, kind, considerate and thoughtful – a credit to the organisation.
Hoping we can organise another sometime. My little girl said to me half way through the 2nd activity ‘I want to come every year’ which is lovely!”
Judging by the smiles, the reluctant departures and the calls of “When is the next one?”, we are well on the way to making inclusive sport a regular feature in even more calendars. Everyone who was there on Sunday will, I hope, be able to say in years to come:
“I was there, at the very first Sunday PowerHouseGames – and I have the T‑shirt to prove it!”
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.
2026 starts with a bang at the CU Rackets PowerHouseGames
What a wonderful start to the new year: 2026 began with a bang!
We held a PowerHouseGames for the Cambridge University Rackets Clubs at the University Sports Centre and thanks to the Squash Club and a couple of others it was a great success. We were joined by Ivel Valley Special School, a group with additional needs from the Huntingdon campus of Cambridge Regional College, Stephen Perse, and a group from adult disability charity, Rowan.
As ever Rule Number 1 at a PowerHouseGames is to have fun, and my goodness, these 58 participants had FUN!
There was so much compassion, kindness, generosity, laughter and enthusiasm on display. From the Stephen Perse lad helping to sort out the pusher for his teammate in new age kurling, the inclusive way another lad played sitting volleyball – knocking the beach ball gently to a teammate; to the way the students engaged with players of varying levels of ability while playing pickleball and short tennis. It was a joy to behold – anyone who doubts the younger generation should attend one of our PowerHouseGames!
The highlight for me was the sitting netball, a giant game played by 30 a side! The blues and greens took on the rest. Indira and John, wheelchair users from Rowan, were designated goal shooters for their respective teams and were allowed to sit (in their wheelchairs) next to their attacking hoop. Their teammates had to display skill in the way they threw the foam ball to them, so they could catch it. Their faces, when they caught the ball and deposited it into the hoop, were full of joy: at being included, at being part of a team, of scoring.
Both were so excited as they are returning for the next games on Monday!
Big thanks to Steve Shaw (Mr Disability Tennis in Cambridgeshire) and Mariam from the Cambridge Tennis Academy who together encouraged, coached and enthused at the rackets station. I apologise to Steve for the noise of the pickleballs!
Wendy Chantrell of Ivel Valley, again said how much good these sessions do for her students.
“Often they won’t do things at school, are reluctant to join in. Here, they go and join a team of strangers, often without a backward glance. The benefits to their self-esteem and confidence cannot be over-estimated. Thank you!”
Charlotte Wells of Stephen Perse said it was so valuable to her non-disabled pupils.
“They love helping, they love the snacks, the medal and especially the t-shirt.”
Holly Hayes from Cambridge Regional College was equally effusive:
“The students (and staff!) who attended last week came back to college absolutely thrilled. They were so excited about how the event went and couldn’t stop talking about it for the rest of the day. They felt genuinely included and welcomed throughout.
Our staff also commented on how well organised everything was and how thoughtfully the activities were adapted to meet all needs. They were incredibly complimentary about the Cambridge University racket sports students too, praising their patience, encouragement, and consideration.”
A big thanks to Raffie from the squash club for getting up early (to help with the snack purchasing) and for encouraging so many other squash players to come along. Their enthusiasm for a repeat hopefully will lead the other racket clubs to join the fun too.
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.
Our first trip to Birmingham to launch a new PowerHouseGames
Starting success
What a triumph! Our first trip to Birmingham and what an amazing venue: the University of Birmingham’s main sports hall. The schools, corporate volunteers and helpers did us all proud.
Building the Birmingham team
A big thank you to Andy Alford, Director of Sport at the University, who said in response to our thanks:
“It was our pleasure [to host] and I am glad the event went so well.”
We are jointly planning with Andy to recruit from the students of their Sport, PE and Coaching course, to make it bigger and better next time. Thanks too to Ross and his team for facilitating the morning beautifully.
Another huge thanks to Access Sport, in particular to Ella Carolan and Sophie Humphries, who brought it all together with help from Nikki English of Sport Birmingham. They recruited the schools and the wonderful deliverers of the six sports, creating pathways into those sports.
Coming together in the best way
That leads me to the six ‘deliverers’:
- Nigel, the Disability Development Officer at the Warwickshire Cricket Foundation. Using the indoor space well, he and Raja created a superb fast-paced laughter-inducing game, with no little skill.
- Tracey, a Boccia England Champion, understood the parameters within which we work and arranged competitive matches in a very short timeframe. James from BGF was very taken by Boccia, describing it as the best game!
- Trevor from Birmingham Goalball praised one young SEN student: “If you can be a natural at goalball, he is a natural. He is doing things [diving about!] that usually takes months to teach. I want to sign him up!”
- Tom and Wyatt from Bears Wheelchair Basketball ran a hugely popular session of wheelchair basketball, managing to play both tag and a short game. The smile on the young wheelchair user’s face when he could scoot past his opponents – “Gee, this is difficult,” said a corporate volunteer – lit up the whole hall.
- Richad and Ajay from the Albion Foundation led a “surprisingly tiring”, “great fun”, game of walking football. I really liked their small nets – put a wheelchair in front and it is a real challenge to score! They are exploring how we can take the PowerHouseGames to West Bromwich, as they have the venue and plenty of participants.
- Last, but not least, Nathan, from Parkour, led a fun, creative and challenging session using the centre’s equipment. He had participants running, jumping, vaulting and doing a forward roll. For those who wanted to do something different, they could go under the vault or jump onto the large mat. Inspiring, adaptive and fun: Parkour is a great addition to our repertoire.
A whole new community
And well done to the participating groups. We had students from SEN schools: The Pines, Victoria College and Ormiston Shelfield Academy; further students from SENSE; two intrepid students from the University of Birmingham, volunteers Ryan, Ian and Tim, and corporate volunteers from BGF, who smiled, clapped, cheered and led their teams with empathy and skill.
I have the t-shirt to prove it!
As Jeremy Macklin, Power2Inspire chair, said:
“It is lovely to spread the fun of a PowerHouseGames to Birmingham. Judging by the smiles, laughter, and fun being had, we need to repeat this success and grow throughout the city. With the support of the University, Access Sport, Sport Birmingham and companies such as the excellent BGF, we can make inclusive sport available to all in the city. Everyone here today will be able to say in years to come – I was there, at the very first Birmingham PowerHouseGames, and I have the t-shirt to prove it!”
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.
Huge thanks must go to Romy Whai for their fantastic photos which have really captured the fun and inclusive nature of the day!
Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge PowerHouseGames 2025
Alive with laughter
On Friday 14th November, the Cambridge University Sports Centre was alive with the sound of laughter, cheers, and the unmistakable energy that comes with an inclusive PowerHouseGames event. Teams of students, schoolchildren and volunteers from Illumina came together in the spirit of fun, camaraderie, and making sure everyone had the chance to shine, regardless of ability or experience.
Grateful for our partners at CUSC
A big shout out to the University Sports Centre, Ellis Maloney and his team. From taking the equipment from car to hall, to setting up the hall – sorting benches, curtains, and laying out the equipment – they ensure the morning goes smoothly. We truly appreciate their help and are truly grateful for the support the Centre gives as we have held 7 PowerHouseGames (PHG) this calendar year in the main hall.
Longstanding partners
This was the 4th PHG we have held with Fitzwilliam College. It was a true delight to have Bethany Haran, one of the co-founders of the first games, back as a participant. Thanks to Rhys and Toby for encouraging their fellow current students to give up a morning: from their smiles and enthusiastic comments after, they found it thoroughly worthwhile.
Invaluable Corporate support
Illumina are now “frequent flyers” and it was wonderful to invite back Christine Cook and her intrepid colleagues, who threw themselves into the fray, some rather literally! The Illumina Foundation’s financial support is invaluable, helping us to put on these Games and bring joy and laughter to so many young people.
Adaptable, fun and energetic
The carousel of games for this time was boccia, new age kurling, sitting volleyball, goalball, sitting netball and at Bethany’s request kwik cricket. While talking with some of the students over an excellent sandwich lunch in the centre’s café, they agreed that kwik cricket was a great choice as it is very adaptable, fun and energetic – I encourage the team leaders to make it as fast as the participants can play it!
Bringing local schools together
Five schools attended so some teams were made up 6 and some 7. It is always good to have Castle. This was their 27th PHG! In contrast it was Ridgeway’s 1st PHG. They loved it. Encouraged to attend by our friend Wendy Chantrell of Ivel Alley School, Ridgeway is a mixed school specialising in pupils with physical disabilities. One of the pupils was so enthusiastic, most of the college students pointed his enthusiasm out as being a key part of why they had enjoyed the morning. St Faith’s, CAST, and Landmark International were the other schools.
We adapted the timetable to cope with a later than planned start as the very bad weather – fortunately outside! – had caused a couple of schools to run late. The extra practice time meant the teams hit the games ‘running’ and there were cheers, clapping and shouts of encouragement from the off.
Small victories
There were some notable successes. A school refuser attended, which shows that a PHG has the power to inspire! There were tales of at least three pupils joining in reluctantly but then enthusiastically. Sadly, one pupil found it all rather overwhelming and had to leave but the school were pleased to have got him out of school at all. For a lot of disabled youngsters, who do not have opportunities to socialise and never leave the safety of school, the large, sports hall, can be very daunting. Attending is an invaluable life skill: learning to cope in the “outside world” is key to surviving our demanding world.
It's a team game!
Yet another successful PHG. They are built on volunteering: the students who give up a morning of study (should I be thankful or are they really giving up sleep?); the company staff; our trustees and volunteers such as Stephen Peak who buy the snacks, sort the t-shirts, medals and certificates, and pack my car with the kit. So I was humbled and thrilled when I received a public thank you from one of the smallest children at the end of the medal ceremony, bringing a much appreciated round of applause.
With five more PHGs planned before the end of the year, we are rapidly heading to our 100th PHG. When and where will this be? Watch for further news.
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.
All photos used with permission
Games2Inspire at St Ursula's 2025
It was lovely to return to St Ursula’s Catholic Primary School in Romford. We started with an assembly focusing on ‘Overcoming Barriers’, determination and values attributed to St Ursula: kindness, honesty, bravery and resilience.
The best question is still making me think:
“What was the hardest thing you have had to face?”
Is it learning to dress? eat? etc – the practical things. Or is it more emotional ones, such as why am I different? will I be able to work? I need to think further to come up with a suitable answer for Y5 9 year olds.
The year group was split into their two classes. St Teresa class, a lively bunch, thoroughly enjoyed all of sitting volleyball, boccia, goalball and new age kurling. If anything, they were so excited and enthusiastic, they took too long to listen to instructions and time slipped past and we missed out on sitting netball.
When I asked the class what they had learned, one young boy said, rather ruefully:
“to listen to our teacher!”
Others happily repeated
“I can’t do it…YET!”, “Never give up”, and “Practice makes progress”.
Many of the children expressed how valuable it was to be able to take part in inclusive sports where everyone is on an equal playing field. Another pupil noted that John had taught him life lessons that will stick with him forever and that teamwork and determination can lead to ‘progress’.
Class St Thomas, who came into the hall after lunch, were equally enthusiastic. I was amused when one pupil had a blindfold put back on by a teacher, the right way up, exclaimed,
“But I can’t see!”.
They added to the learning answers, that disabled people can play sports with anyone, teamwork, and kindness.
A big thanks to Ms Fatima Mahamed and Ms Caroline Hall for their support and help. We are hoping to persuade St Ursula’s to come to a PowerHouseGames in London soon, so they can experience the fun of playing inclusive sport with disabled children.
It was a lovely day and my hero, Paddington Bear – he has paws like me! – would have been so happy they champion kindness and honesty.
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.
Please note: Photos are from previous year’s games