Fundraiser of the Year targets Power2Inspire
I met Marco Sementa at the BBC Radio Cambridgeshire Make a Difference Awards in September last year. Marco was named Fundraiser of the Year for 2022. He arranges charity football matches, collecting money for local causes. Just to prove that the Awards themselves can make a difference, Marco volunteered to raise funds for Power2Inspire. He has hosted a number of games, culminating in two games at Peterborough United’s ground, raising an amazing £500 for Power2Inspire.
When Marco heard about what we do at Power2Inspire he was inspired. He said:
“I am looking forward to supporting you and the great work you do. I think with both our visions the team up will be great.”
He is hoping to persuade his employers, RSA Insurance in Peterborough, to match-fund his donation to Power2Inspire and is keen to create his own 108 Challenge – you too can sign up! He believes passionately in the power of sport to inspire so wants to continue fundraising for us for a long time to come.
Thank you Marco and thank you BBC Radio Cambridgeshire for both Making a Difference!
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
We are SO grateful for all the fundraising that is going on with the 108 Challenge. Your donations make a MASSIVE difference to people’s lives through Power2Inspire’s vision to ensure “no one is left on the bench!” THANK YOU!
If you’d like to donate NOW to the 108 Challenge click through to JustGiving by pressing the button here:
Great Easton Games2Inspire 2023
“Why do you look like a penguin?”
What a great question, posed by a Y2 pupil at this lovely, small, rural primary school in Essex.
Great Easton Primary School has a higher percentage of pupils with extra needs, which makes it a caring and inclusive school. The presence of a number of dogs, belonging to various members of staff, typified the wonderful laid back atmosphere.
We had two assemblies and three rounds of games – sitting volleyball, goalball and new age kurling – so a packed day. Fun was had, the learning was evident and the feedback great:
“John was so incredibly inspiring and made anything seem possible! The children thought he was awesome and absolutely loved the games that we played. They were accessible for all children, including those who find physical activity tricky, and allowed the children to experience the world for those with a physical disability as well as challenge them. The joy on Will’s face when he was able to retrieve the ball in goal ball was something else! “
“the kids were so inspired by John’s visit – they talked about him non-stop all day and I have had several parents message to say how much the kids spoke about it when they got home. “
So how do you answer a perceptive question like the opening one? My feet, artificial legs provided by Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, do have the shape of penguin feet; my height is not dissimilar to that of an Emperor Penguin; but I do not have a beak; and I was not wearing a dinner jacket. So I am only half convinced that I do look like a penguin!
The more interesting part of the question is the why?
Because I was born like this?
Because it was ordained?
Because penguins are really the rulers of the universe?
Who knows the answer but it did make my colleague and wonderful volunteer, Tom Roper, giggle and that set off most of the teaching staff. Happy days!
“It’s only the next day and I’ve already used John’s motto: ’never give up’ and ‘practice make progress’ in Maths today when we were learning to use a protractor, and in PE with over-arm throwing. It’s so great when the kids can attach it to someone different giving them advice instead of their boring teachers all the time! I think his is a visit they will remember forever 😃“
“In general the session was great because it helped the pupils to reflect on the bigger picture. We had a great discussion about perceptions and expectations and gratefullness.”
One child said:
“I won’t ever feel sorry for someone like that. Now I know when I see someone in a wheelchair or with mobility issues, I will know they can still achieve in sports and in life so I don’t need to feel guilty or sad.“
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.
Middlesex CCC PowerHouseGames 2023
Middlesex County Cricket Club hosted the first ever county cricket PowerHouseGames on Friday 24th March, with professional players, women and coaches from the Middlesex women’s pathway, pupils from William Perkin School, staff from behind the scenes at the Club and disabled players from the Middlesex Super 1 Hub in Hackney.
Judging by the cheers, laughter, smiles and whoops, Power2Inspire’s Rule No. 1 was followed pretty closely – as everyone had FUN!
I was allowed to play – my first ever foray into the playing side of a PowerHouseGames! We started with Sitting Netball – gee, it is tiring! We were on the artificial turf or similar of the indoor cricket school, so scooting on our bottoms was more of a challenge. But it was such fun, and so inclusive.
New Age Kurling matched us, the royal blues, against the silver team including my great mate, Andrew Cornish, the CEO of Middlesex CCC. Andrew had worked out we have known each other for over 40 years! It added spice to the game, which his team then won. More worryingly, Andrew offered to recount stories of our escapades in our youth to anyone who came up to him afterwards!
On a more serious note, he commented on how wonderfully inclusive these games are and how much everyone of all standards and abilities can get out of them.
Round 3 brought boccia and a very competitive game against the purple team, led by Stevie Eskanazi. He did make it particularly hard on one end throwing the jack through the entrance gap, which brought mirth and no little skill.
‘Eski’ and Toby Rowland-Jones, the club’s co-captains, spoke magnificently at the close, saying what a privilege it was to be a part of the games and how they hoped it would be an annual fixture.
After a break – great snacks Alex – we were up against the red team in Kwik Cricket. I haven’t played any form of cricket for 20 years, so I was delighted to be able to hit the ball the first and second time. However, as you have to run every time you hit it – sideways to a marker (a set of stumps in this case) rather than forwards – by the fifth hit I was blowing so hard I couldn’t hit a barn door!
Fantastic fun to play with such talented professionals and be allowed to have fun – thank you Martin Andersson and Alan Coleman.
Sitting Volleyball gave us a welcome sit down. I noticed Angus Fraser, Cricket Development Director and a hero of mine in my youth as he bowled for England, came to watch and was encouraged to play. He commented:
“Played in two matches [one being sitting volleyball] and won both”.
The hunger never dies!
“I had a wonderful day at Lord’s with Power2Inspire. This session and the kind of engagement it provided was super as people with different abilities could get involved and do sports alongside each other with just a few adaptations, and this really helped to break down barriers. I have met lots of kind, enthusiastic, and brilliant young people who have reminded me that it’s really about having fun and bringing people together. Truly inspiring, and I look forward to getting involved again!“
Heidi Pathak
Our last game was Goalball, which I find hard. When you have one impairment, being given another – in this case being blindfolded – amplifies the challenge. However my team were excellent at giving instructions and Monica was a brilliant player for the final one versus one shoot out.
I would like to thank all my teammates for accommodating my needs and making it such fun.
I would also like to thank our wonderful volunteers: David Ellis (chauffeur, time-keeper, organiser), Heidi Pathak (player – on my team), Steve Shaw (player) and Paul Sanwell (photographer).
But the biggest thanks go to Kari Carswell, Participation Director, who battled hard to make it happen. She overcame venue booking, sponsor drop out – my, did they miss a trick! – an independent school dropping out – again what an error – and having to find, with the indefatigable Michael Wilson (Middlesex CCC Head of Disability Cricket), some disabled players at the last minute.
I will leave the last comment to Kari:
“I see so much value in doing this event so I’m extremely keen that we crack on and make it work regardless of numbers. I’m sure between us we can make it work.”
She filled all the spaces, made it happen and it worked: inclusive sport was enjoyed by 72 people with a wide range of abilities and backgrounds and ‘No one was left on the bench!’
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.
With special thanks to Paul Sanwell of OP Photography for his fantastic photography on the day. All photos used with permission
South London for PowerHouseGames!
We were delighted to team-up with Digby Stuart College of Roehampton University and local primary schools, Burlington House and Sacred Heart Primary, as well as John Bosco College and Woldingham School, for an afternoon of fun and inclusive sports at our latest PowerHouseGames!
Here is what our Chief Ambassador and Founder had to say:
“It was an absolute pleasure to join Digby Stuart College and some fantastic schools for a really enjoyable PowerHouseGames.”
“Thank you so much – it was incredible!”
So said a student from Burlington House Special School, with an enormous grin. The 12 students had been made so welcome and included with such enthusiasm, it was impossible not to be swept along by the fun of the day.
Tom Roper, experienced volunteer, and PowerHouseGames veteran, declared it
“a roaring success!”
Digby Stuart College and the sports staff – hats off to the visionary Emerick Kaitell – had embraced the concept of inclusive sport. With Professor Francis Davis leading the way, ably supported by Sorrel Brown, following her induction into the world of PowerHouseGames at the VISA games last year, the college invited four schools to join the fun.
Ginny Jordan-Arthur, Captain at Digby Stuart College said:
“The day was great and glad to be able to be a part of it! It was all brilliant and the volunteers were a great group that you pulled together. I was hosting a different group of staff from Woldingham on the Friday, and they had already heard about the visit as their pupils returned to campus buzzing from the experience!”
Burlington House led the way, with Sacred Heart Primary School, John Bosco College and Woldingham School all enthusiastically getting stuck in. I managed to persuade Steve Ellis of FIS Global to bring his colleagues, which was really fantastic. They and the university sports students led the 12 teams with empathy, energy and encouragement.
In the smaller space – we proved we could hold a PowerHouseGames in a basketball-court sized hall – it was cosy, but the added noise created a happy, joyful atmosphere and ensured that Power2Inspire’s No. 1 Rule – “To have FUN!” – was definitely honoured.
To my surprise and pleasure polybat, a cross between table tennis without a net and air hockey, was truly popular. It fitted so well in the limited space, but with two tables and lots of cheers and squeals, promoted itself up the pecking order of possible games! Boccia, sitting netball, sitting volleyball, goalball and new age kurling all each had their champions, proving the mix works.
Shane Coghlan of Sacred Heart said:
“The children really enjoyed the day and that is not always the case with events like these. I think there was a very pleasant atmosphere at all times, it was very well organised, and time-keeping was excellent and, the schools involved worked very well together. I enjoyed it a lot too.”
Caroline Treacy reported that her students loved it, partly because they are not usually selected to represent the school. When asked if they should come again, they enthusiastically said yes, but one student insisted they – not next year’s Year 8s – come again!
The Roehampton students really shone, they were fabulous ambassadors for their university, embracing the Power2Inspire goals of inclusion, adapting the games and having fun.
Steve Ellis of FIS Global was delighted his team joined in so enthusiastically, explaining that it was so much more rewarding to be involved in such inclusive sports as part of their corporate volunteering than other options. He urged other companies to get involved 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.
With special thanks to Ginny Jordan-Arthur of Roehampton University for her fantastic photography on the day. All photos used with permission
PowerHouseGames travel to University of Warwick
We recently partnered with University of Warwick to host our inclusive PowerHouseGames. The games invited local schools to team-up with inspiring sports personalities to compete in university-style sports, including boccia, new age Kurling and goalball. The games are designed to ensure everyone, of all abilities, can take part – and that nobody is “left on the bench”.
On Thursday 9th February 2023, three schools competed at the fantastic University Sports and Wellness Hub at The University of Warwick. Taking part were children from Sidney Stringer Academy, Coventry, Avon Park School, Rugby, and Leicester Grammar School, Leicester.
Each team included a volunteer sportsman and sportswoman, and three children – with one child from each group having special educational needs. We were also delighted to be joined by GB Paralympian, Karé Adenegan, who fully immersed herself in the fun.
The pastoral lead from Sidney Stringer Academy – the state school that attended – said they had deliberately chosen pupils who didn’t usually get involved in sport and many were from disadvantaged backgrounds. She was so pleased to see them getting stuck in and they had such a great time.
Leicester Grammar School, representatives from the independent school sector, brought year 8 students to participate and year 12 students to help supervise each game. One year 12 student enjoyed the day so much that he asked to come again!
Nikki Laybourne, Head of Girls’ Cricket, Leicester Grammar School said:
“This was the second time we’ve brought students to a PowerHouseGames, and once again this one did not disappoint! Our younger students had a great time learning to work as a team with pupils from other Schools and Warwick University.
“They really enjoyed participating in sports that most of them had never experienced before and listening to Karé Adenegan talk about her experiences leading up to becoming a Paralympian. Our Year 12 students were able to work on their leadership and coaching skills, in sports they had very little knowledge about, alongside working on their communication skills with people they had never met before. Overall, it was a superb experience for all those involved.”
Oscar Fraser, Year 8 student, Leicester Grammar School, said:
“I really enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to come to the PowerHouseGames in Warwick which I thoroughly enjoyed. I also think it’s a positive message to young people, such as myself that spreads positivity of ‘no one left on the bench’.
I also enjoyed the various different games that were on offer there such as walking football. All the staff and volunteers were really nice and kind and I would definitely go again if there was an opportunity to do so.”
John Willis, Founder and Chief Ambassador, Power2Inspire, and University of Warwick alumnus said:
“PowerHouseGames are incredible sports days using adapted games and sports. All the activities are especially designed to be accessible and fun for everyone, old and young, with disabilities and none, sporty and not – and in so doing are wonderfully inclusive.
“I’m proud to be able to introduce sports events that showcase how people with special educational needs and disabilities can be included.
“An excited Warwick University student exclaimed that it was the first sports event they had ever been to as she requested a selfie! She was beaming and added that boccia was her favourite. It’s moments like this that highlight the importance of the work we do.”
“As an alumnus of Warwick I was thrilled to establish our first PowerHouseGames at the university. David Colliver, Paul Robbins, Iain McKinney, Kieron Carroll, Vicky Law, Rebecca Kilcullen and Becky Easterbrook all helped bring it to fruition almost two years from the initial contact. Being invited to speak at a graduation ceremony last summer was crucial as I met Stuart Croft, the Vice Chancellor, whose support added key momentum.”
Joe Warren, Director of Sports Operations and Delivery at Warwick Sport, University of Warwick said:
“We were delighted to partner with Power2Inspire to host the PowerHouseGames. This was a fantastic opportunity for us to welcome local schools and inspiring sports personalities into our Sports and Wellness Hub. Our collaboration with Power2Inspire allows us to play our part in providing inclusive sporting opportunities for people of all abilities and ensure that nobody is left on the bench.”
Andrew Todd, Director of Regional Strategy and Partnerships, University of Warwick said:
“We were proud to sponsor this very first PowerHouseGames at our accessible Sports and Wellness Hub. We want to encourage sport for everyone and support active communities in our region. These games were a great opportunity for us to bring together local school children, our staff and students and staff from our partner University College Birmingham to enjoy a truly inclusive sporting event.
“A special thank you to Coventry’s very own Paralympian, recent Commonwealth Games silver medallist and University of Warwick alumna, Karé Adenegan, who also joined us at the games for a fantastic day of inclusive sport.”
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.
With special thanks to Paul Sanwell of OP Photography for his fantastic photography on the day. All photos used with permission