One final challenge – reflections on the Stewartby Triathlon 2025
On Sunday 15th June, I took on my final fundraising challenge for Power2Inspire, a sprint triathlon relay at Stewartby Lake. It marked the end of a personal chapter that’s been filled with adventure, challenge and deep purpose.
This time, I wasn’t alone. I had two brilliant teammates:
- My wife, Lindsay, who stepped in as a last-minute addition to the team, cycled 20km with incredible determination, and earned her very first triathlon medal — something she’s rightly proud of.
- Our CEO, Alex Laybourne, who ran 5km with heart and good humour (despite the heat!).
- I swam the 750m open water leg, and, as ever, felt both the thrill of the water and the privilege of being able to represent our charity.
Why this triathlon mattered
Over the years, I’ve taken on numerous challenges to raise funds and awareness for Power2Inspire, from kayak adventures and tennis marathons to open-water swims. Each one has had the same goal: to show what’s possible, to break down barriers and to champion inclusion through sport.
This triathlon was different. Not because the swim was harder (though it was!), or because I’m getting older (which I am!), but because I knew it would be my last. The final physical fundraising challenge I take on for this charity that means so much to me.
And that made it feel even more special.
A modest goal – and we nailed it!
Now, I’ll be honest: our goal wasn’t to win, it was simply not to come last. And… we didn’t! Mission accomplished.
Why I started
When I founded Power2Inspire in 2013, I had one goal in mind: to ensure that no one is left on the bench. As someone born without fully formed arms and legs, I’ve experienced firsthand what exclusion feels like. I also know how transformative sport can be when it’s truly inclusive.
Since those early days, Power2Inspire has reached over 81,000 people through inclusive sports days, PowerHouseGames, and Games2Inspire in schools. We’ve brought people of all abilities together – laughing, learning, competing and connecting.
I couldn’t be prouder!
Looking back, and looking forward…
This final challenge wasn’t about records or speed. It was about community. About celebrating the people who’ve supported us — friends, colleagues, volunteers, donors and event partners.
What's next?
While I may be stepping back from physical fundraising, I’m not stepping away from Power2Inspire. I’ll still be delivering our wonderful events, championing the cause and sharing our story.
But for now, I’d love your help to finish this challenge strong.
If you haven’t yet donated, please consider supporting our JustGiving campaign. Every pound goes directly towards inclusive sports events for children and communities across the UK.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me, not just on this challenge, but over the years. You’ve made a real, lasting difference.
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.
St Mary's Woodham Ferrers Games2Inspire 2025
Oh, what a joy to return to one of my favourite schools! St Mary’s is small – with only 65 pupils but it truly packs a punch: it is one of the happiest schools I have visited and an outstanding school in many Ofsted categories – such a wonderful place to learn! Their success has led to an increase in the number of SEND pupils, which they absorb in a lovely, nurturing way.
The school is split into three multi-year classes. We started with years Reception, and Years 1 and 2 (Acorn class). Watching these very young pupils learn sitting volleyball, kurling and goalball quite so quickly was humbling, but truly remarkable was seeing them include everyone regardless of their issues.
Mrs Fallon, Acorn class teacher, said that following my last visit in 2022, she had added my ‘vision’ (her words) to her class wall, and they refer to it every day:
“I can’t do it …. Yet!”
Years 3 and 4 were full of fun – they truly lived up to our number one rule: to have fun.
With Years 5 and 6, after lunch, we added a fourth game – sitting netball and our new bibs worked a treat.
Mrs Fallon also repeated an exchange she had with a pupil. The pupil had been struggling with homework, so her mum had advised her that
“practice makes perfect”.
The pupil had responded,
“that’s not right, it is Practice makes Progress, because that is what John says.”
The messages clearly also reach home!
I love my visits to this jewel of a school and hope it isn’t three years before they can fund another joyful day. If there are any funders out there who would be willing to assist to ensure we can continue to invest in these precious pupils then please do get in touch!
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.
Sports Trust Folkestone PowerHouseGames 2025
On Thursday 15th May 2025, the Three Hills Sports Park in Folkestone buzzed with excitement, laughter, and the unmistakable spirit of inclusion as Power2Inspire and The Sports Trust joined forces for the very first Folkestone PowerHouseGames.
No one left on the bench
From the moment the doors opened at 9am, the energy was infectious – and by the time the final whistle blew on a giant game of sitting netball, every participant, volunteer, and organiser had played their part in a day that truly embodied our motto: No one left on the bench!
A gathering of schools and new friends
This inaugural Kent event welcomed 56 participants, forming 10 vibrant teams, each sporting their own distinctive T-shirts. Pupils from Turner Free School, The Beacon, Earlscliffe College, and Folkestone College came together, breaking down barriers and forging new friendships as they rotated through a carousel of inclusive sports. It was a joy to see teams quickly bond, with students supporting one another, sharing high-fives, and celebrating every small victory.
Challenges and fun for all!
- Our activities line-up was a showcase of adapted sport at its best. Teams threw themselves into boccia, sitting volleyball, new age kurling, goalball, and wheelchair basketball. Each station was a hive of encouragement and teamwork, with participants learning new skills, discovering hidden talents, and, most importantly, having fun.
- Boccia tested precision and strategy, with players using ramps and creative tactics to land their balls closest to the jack.
- Sitting Volleyball brought out competitive spirits and plenty of laughter as players kept their bottoms firmly on the floor while diving for every point.
- New Age Kurling was a new favourite for many, combining focus and finesse as stones glided across the court.
- Goalball challenged teams to trust their senses and each other, with guides enthusiastically directing their blindfolded teammates.
- Wheelchair Basketball, brilliantly led by Ben Potter of the Folkestone Arrows club, was a highlight, with Ben’s expert coaching ensuring everyone, regardless of experience, could take part and shine.
A grand finale to remember
As the morning drew to a close, anticipation built for our now-traditional giant game of sitting netball. With all 56 participants on the court, the atmosphere was electric – balls whizzed across the hall, cheers echoed, and the sense of camaraderie was palpable. It was a fitting finale, perfectly capturing the inclusive ethos of Power2Inspire events.
Inspiring leadership and support
The day was expertly organised by Sarah Green of The Sports Trust, whose attention to detail and passion for inclusion ensured everything ran smoothly. We were honoured to be joined by our ambassador Emma Brown, England Deaf futsal and Football player, who opened the Games alongside John Willis. Emma’s presence inspired everyone present, and her closing words reminded us of the power of sport to unite and empower.
A community effort
None of this would have been possible without the generous financial support and partnership of The Sports Trust, the Folkestone and Hythe Lions, the Folkestone Rotary Club and our hosts the Three Hills Sports Partnership.
Memories made, barriers broken
As medals and certificates were handed out, the smiles on the faces of pupils, teachers, and volunteers told the story of a day filled with achievement, connection, and joy.
“The Kent PowerHouseGames was a terrific event. A great opportunity for our young people to meet other young people from across the district. It supported their transition to the next stage of their educational journeys through stepping outside of their comfort zone to meet new people, work with and support, coach and encourage them. In addition, they developed their confidence, resilience, team work and character utilising the power of sport.”
Ben Walker, teacher at The Beacon, Folkestone
“Thank you once again for inviting me to be part of the PowerHouseGames in Folkestone last week, it was such a powerful, inspiring, and thoroughly enjoyable event. The children were truly admirable and so full of energy; their enthusiasm and smiles were an absolute joy to witness. Huge credit to you, John, Emma, and the entire team at The Sports Trust for delivering such a brilliant day.”
Corporate Volunteer
“The PowerHouseGames is a wonderful idea and I am thrilled Three Hills were able to host it in Folkestone for the first time. To see young people from different schools and with different abilities cheering each other on and playing sports together was really inspiring.”
Councillor Mike Blakemore
“We loved it, really well organised and all needs considered. Brilliantly inclusive and so much fun for all the students.”
Folkestone College, EKC
“What a fun and energetic day, brilliant!”
The Sports Trust
“What an awesome experience! Brilliant!”
The Sports Trust
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.
Abacus Primary School Games2Inspire 2025
On Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th May 2025, I had the pleasure of returning to Abacus Primary School in Wickford, Essex, for our third Games2Inspire event – and this time, we spread the fun over two days! Hosted by the brilliant team at Abacus and delivered by Power2Inspire, the event brought together over 120 enthusiastic pupils each day from both Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 1 for a celebration of inclusive sport, a total of 240 happy children.
There was an assembly on each day – mercifully after lunch on the first day as I had overslept, following the SuperSensory Inclusive Kilometre on the Monday – and then workshops with each year group through each day.
The upper playground was alive with excitement as the pupils rotated through a variety of adapted games. KS2 pupils tried their hands at Goalball, Sitting Netball, New Age Kurling, and Boccia, while KS1 enjoyed Goalball, Boccia, and Sitting Volleyball. Each child had to engage in working together in small groups, learning new skills, and, most importantly, having fun. The sun shone, even if it was a little chilly, laughter filled the air, and the school’s staff supported every moment with energy and care.
As always, the children’s curiosity and openness were a highlight. For the first time, I was asked this particularly thoughtful question:
“How do you keep your ‘paws’ warm, since gloves wouldn’t fit?”
For those who don’t know, I have no hands and refer to my shortened arms as my ‘paws’. I explained to the class that, on cold days, I simply pop a sock over my right paw—it’s the perfect fit and keeps me toasty!
The children’s fascination and empathy were truly heartwarming, and it was a lovely reminder of the power of honest conversation and shared experience.
A huge thank you to the staff at Abacus Primary for their warm welcome and seamless organisation, and to all the pupils for their boundless enthusiasm. Events like these, show just how much joy inclusive sport can bring, and why we say: No one is left on the bench!
Here’s to many more Games2Inspire at Abacus—where every question is welcome, and every child can shine.
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.
University of Warwick PowerHouseGames 2025
Our third trip to the fabulous Sports and Wellness Hub at the University of Warwick to host a PowerHouseGames happened on Thursday 27th February 2025 – and it was the best so far!
The University Campus and Commercial Services Group Finance team threw themselves into the fun with gusto; the student volunteers were simply magnificent: energetic, enthusiastic, motivating and encouraging – true ambassadors for the university. Avon Park (special needs and autism) school were returners and very keen to enjoy the fun again. Arnold Lodge, an independent school, came for the first time with children with some additional needs. It was wonderful that they should be selected to represent their school, as this cohort so often miss out. And Ormiston Shelfield, a second SEN school, had come from all the way from Walsall.
It was a joyous morning of inclusive sports. Boccia, new age kurling, sitting volleyball, walking football, goalball and sitting netball were all enjoyed before a mad, chaotic, laughter-filled game of sitting netball with everyone playing. The blues and greens took on the other colours, and to make it inclusive, we allowed one player from each team to be the ‘goal attacker’ – the perfect way for a wheelchair user to be involved.
The teachers comments were heartwarming:
“Those two children are always together, and I was worried that they would not cope being split up. But they are thriving, smiling and being engaged more than I have ever seen.”
“I have never seen those two boys engage as much ever.”
“I cannot remember the last time I saw [that pupil] smile and this morning, he hasn’t stopped smiling.”
Andrew Todd, Director of Regional Strategy and Partnerships at The University of Warwick, said:
“It was great to host our third PowerHouseGames and fantastic to see the power of sport in bringing together teams of pupils from different schools and backgrounds and the fun that they had. This year we were really pleased to include Warwick volunteers from our Campus and Commercial Services Group’s finance team, who really entered into the wonderful spirit of the games”
Mark Hyndman, Director of Sport and Active Lifestyles at Warwick Sport, said:
“This year’s instalment of the PowerHouseGames provided an opportunity for us to strengthen our partnership with Power2Inspire, and continue playing our part in hosting events that celebrate accessibility, inclusivity and diversity at our Sports and Wellness Hub at the University of Warwick. Local schools, our staff networks and the student community enjoyed a day full of fun – centred around an inspiring and meaningful purpose to encourage participation in sport and active lifestyles for all, regardless of ability levels or background.”
Thank you!
Thanks to Iain Mckinney, Head of Sports Delivery at Warwick, and particularly, his team, Jade Woodward and Georgina Pilling at the sharp end – for helping to recruit the students and schools and organising the hall.
A big thank you to Andrew Todd who kindly opened the Games and, along with Becky Easterbrook, Regional Partnerships Manager, closed the Games. I was delighted Jade and Georgie joined Andrew and Rebecca to hand out medals and certificates – everyone is a winner at a PowerHouseGames and “No one is left on the bench!”
The students and finance team participants described on video their experience in one word, as Fun, Energising, Teamwork, Awesome, and from two wheelchair users – Included!
Here’s to the Fourth Warwick PowerHouseGames next year!
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.