Goodenough College PowerHouseGames 2026
It isn’t the size of the PowerHouseGames (PHG) but the amount of fun had at one, that makes it so special. This was our fourth PHG at the college and possibly the happiest. The 28 participants, in 8 teams of 3 or 4, came from across the globe, with the widest range of backgrounds imaginable.
A huge thank you to Charley Light (the Dean’s Programme and Events Coordinator) for organising the afternoon and to my daughter, Anna, a College member, who promoted it far and wide.
Seeing people of all ages, children as well as older students, people of so many different nationalities, faiths and cultures, and people of all abilities, including two wheelchair users, all playing inclusive games with laughter, smiles, cheers and joy, is an embodiment of what PHGs are all about.
It has to be said new age kurling got competitive: maybe it was the Canadians upholding their country’s honour, or maybe it is just a fabulously competitive game. Even the brushes – so important on ice but less so on the lovely wooden floor – were wielded with gusto!
Sitting volleyball was more collaborative. Challenged by me with a rally score of 17 from a Year 3 group in a school, two teams cooperated to score 22. Amazing what motivation and teamwork can do.
I like the idea of our games being disseminated around the globe as the members of the college mostly return to their home countries after a year in London. They say these games are not played back home and they all promised to be advocates of these inclusive activities.
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.
Team Power2Inspire at the Cambridge Half Marathon 2026
What a day. What a team. What a result!
The Cambridge Half Marathon 2026 was a fantastic success for Power2Inspire – full of determination, laughter, sore legs, and enormous hearts.
Together, our runners and supporters raised an incredible £4,031, and every single pound will help us deliver more inclusive sports days where No One Is Left On The Bench.
Standing at the finish line, medals proudly earned, the feeling was simple: pride, gratitude, and a deep belief in what sport can do when everyone is included.
One runner summed it up perfectly:
“Sport has been such a fundamental positive force in my life, and the work Power2Inspire do bringing that joy to as many people as possible, regardless of barriers, is incredibly inspiring.”
For many, this wasn’t just a race — it was a personal journey. From first time half marathoners to seasoned runners, everyone had their own mountain to climb.
“Last year I was on the pavements cheering my friends on, thinking there was no way I could ever do that… a year later, and countless hours of training, I was out on the course myself. I’m so proud I chose to run for Power2Inspire.”
We were especially proud of Pedro and Irene, father and daughter, who anchored the team in the most inspirational way. Pedro battled an injury and still crossed the line — in a time most of us would happily accept with wheels.
“Running gives me peace, freedom and happiness. It is so important that everyone has the opportunity to take part in sport — that’s why I am proud to run for Power2Inspire.”
For Irene, running alongside her dad — who flew in from Milan — made the day unforgettable:
“Sports have shaped my life for the better, and I’m proud to raise funds for a charity that works so hard to make sport accessible for SEND communities. Sharing this race with my dad made it even more special.”
A huge thank you goes to the Cambridge University Football Club, who once again brought strength, spirit, and speed to Team Power2Inspire. Their support continues to make a real difference, helping power events like the PowerHouse Games earlier in the academic year — all while juggling Varsity preparations just days later. Outstanding effort all round.
And finally, we have to give a massive shout out to our top cheerleader and superstar supporter, Millie Lord, who raised an astonishing £390 on her own.
“Being part of my football team has been some of my best memories at university — and Power2Inspire ensures everyone gets the chance to experience that.”
Moments like these make us incredibly proud of what Power2Inspire has achieved — and deeply humbled by the passion and commitment of our runners, volunteers, and supporters.
Behind the scenes, big thanks must also go to Stephen Peak, who helped set up the base and kindly provided refreshments for our runners, and Sarah Scheckter, who jumped in to help tidy everything away at the end of a long (but wonderful!) day. Your support made a real difference, thank you.
To everyone who ran, donated, cheered, organised, encouraged, and believed — thank you. You have helped us take another powerful step forward in creating a more inclusive world through sport.
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.
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!