So how did we cope? We adapted. The usual 12 twelve teams of 5 became 6 teams of 7, each led by a student, gloriously decked out in pink. The six teams played three games before the snack break – goalball, sitting netball and ‘throwing’ – and three after the break, sitting volleyball, new age kurling and boccia.

Each team comprised two students from each of Impington Village College, Ivel Valley Special School and Castle Special School. This meant we had four disabled students for the first time in each team, which led to different learning as they had to socialise in a different manner.

Although I thought it was quieter than usual, the feedback was very positive, Wendy Chandler of Ivel Valley commenting that the peace this created suited some of her pupils better.

Paul Sanwell, our superb volunteer photographer – do enjoy the photos from him here! – noted that one lad he had witnessed last time being reticent, threw himself into all the activities this time. Another greeted me at the close as a friend, thanking me for making the event possible.

David Ellis, stalwart volunteer, oiled the wheels and kept the momentum and enthusiasm. He was particularly encouraging for the sitting netball which was enthusiastically competitive.

It was Andrew Langford of Castle’s first visit – he brought a group of sixth formers. He loved the event and the opportunity it creates for his students to get involved in activities that they are normally excluded from.

Reflecting on a slight reduction of space (part of the hall was closed off for maintenance – thanks to Ellis Maloney less than the builders said they needed!) and to honour the Athletics Club, we tried ‘throwing’.  Madness, you cry, as we were indoors.  But foam javelins, plastic skittles masquerading as clubs for the Paralympics Club Throw (thrown backwards from a seat) and a bean bag target game, were all really successful.  By my reckoning the record throws for the foam javelin and club were set for the Centre at these games!

At the majestic Home of Cricket, we hosted teams of five, made up of students from a mainstream state school and an SEN school mingled with professional players from Middlesex Cricket (both men’s and women’s teams) and the County’s hard-working staff These formed 10 splendidly mixed and uniquely outfitted teams as they donned their T-shirts in a rainbow of distinctive colours.

Sami Dar, one of our wonderful volunteers and a wheelchair user and co-founder at 10,000 Able Interns, expressed his sadness that such events weren’t available for him in his youth but delight that they were now happening. Bukola Alabi, an intern from Roehampton University, volunteering for the day described the event as “full of fun!” Giorgio, another intern from Roehampton threw himself into games he had never played before with enormous enthusiasm, only matched by Sarah Johnson from BOOST. That charity’s support, both financial and emotional has been enormous over the last three years and we acknowledge it publicly here with great gratitude.

Again, it was a huge success. Y12s from Dean Close led the 12 teams, comprising other sports leaders and Y7s as well as two students from Belmont School, with special needs. The fun, enthusiasm and endeavour were everywhere. I just had one problem. It was so well organised by Ms Holder, and so ably staffed and led by the Y12s, that my two wonderful volunteers, Tom Roper and Darren Lunz had little to do! Fortunately, Archie Eaton, our ambassador and the No. 1 ranked boccia player in the UK, was gainfully employed, supervising the boccia with sympathy – some participants find the rules a tad hard to follow!

So, Tom took lots of photos and Darren and I were able to discuss his app – Hero – which will connect volunteers with charitable events. Power2Inspire is the first charity to sign up and we were trialling the software through Tom’s registration at this event. Watch out for more.

In addition to the students – we had about two per team – we had students from Leicester Grammar School and from Avon Park Special School. Four a side meant it was tiring, especially the sitting netball, but there were loads of smiles, clapping great shots, and laughter, ringing round the wonderful arena at the Sports and Wellness Hub.

One student reported how moved he was when one school student admitted this was his first ever school trip. Another commented that the SEN youngsters had integrated so well it was difficult to work out who was who, definitely with the t-shirts on.

With this level of support alongside volunteers (we are always looking for help!) and interns, we are committed to returning next year with a corporate partner. If you are at a company, know an organisation that is seeking volunteering opportunities or wish to use your CSR engagement by getting down with the kids (sitting volleyball is floor based!), please get in touch. Every company that gets involved comes back for more!