PowerHouseGames scores 11/10 on its latest visit to Warwick
The 96th PowerHouseGames brought energy, teamwork and fully inclusive sport to the University of Warwick, with 68 participants from Cardinal Newman, Arnold Lodge, and Avon Park, coming together for a day built around one simple motto: nobody left on the bench.
Jade Woodward, Active Programme Manager at Warwick Sport, said:
“At Warwick Sport, we believe physical activity should be accessible to everyone. The PowerHouseGames shows how simple adaptations can make sport fully inclusive without losing any of the excitement.
“Seeing students support one another, build confidence and try new activities is exactly why we are proud to deliver this event.”
The day featured a carousel of inclusive sports including boccia, kurling, seated volleyball, goalball, walking football, and kwik cricket, which made its debut this year. It concluded with a huge, seated netball game, which started with one ball and ended with three flying across the court – a highlight that captured the fun and collaborative spirit of the day.
The event was supported by University staff, student volunteers, and the team from Warwick Sport. Warwick Sport Scholars were also on hand to present medals and certificates to every participant, celebrating their commitment and teamwork.
John Willis, Founder and Chief Ambassador of Power2Inspire, said:
“The PowerHouseGames shows what’s possible when schools, universities and communities work together to put inclusion first. To see participants fully engaged, adapting, communicating and celebrating each other’s success is exactly what the Games were created to achieve.”
Andrew Todd, Director of Regional Strategy and Partnerships at the University of Warwick, said:
“It is always fantastic to see the power of sport in bringing together teams of pupils from different schools and backgrounds. This is now the fourth time the University has hosted the PowerHouseGames and it continues to grow and develop with new sports such as boccia and cricket being added this year.
“We were really pleased to include staff and student volunteers who fully embraced the wonderful spirit of the games again.”
As the 96th edition closes, the PowerHouseGames continues to demonstrate that inclusive sport has the power to bring people together – and Warwick looks forward to welcoming the Games back for a fifth time in 2027.
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.
Christmas Appeal 2025 Success - £3,600 raised – thank you!
As our Christmas Appeal comes to an end, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated, shared our posts and helped spread the word.
Thanks to your generosity, we raised an incredible £3,600 once all the GiftAid has been added – enough to fund one full PowerHouseGames and half of another. We are genuinely overwhelmed by the support shown during December and so proud of what we’ve achieved together.
Turning generosity into action
We’re delighted to share that the funds raised will directly support an upcoming PowerHouseGames with the Cambridge University Rackets Club, taking place on 16 January. This event will bring inclusive sport to children and young people, creating a day full of teamwork, confidence and joy – and, as always, ensuring that no one is left on the bench.
Every donation made during the appeal will help transform that generosity into real impact on the court: mixed teams, adapted sports, smiles, encouragement and moments that stay with participants long after the day ends.
Could you help us go one step further?
With enough funding already secured for one PowerHouseGames, and halfway to another, we are now looking for businesses, organisations or individuals who might be willing to match fund the remaining amount needed to host a second event.
Match funding this appeal would allow us to reach even more participants and deliver another unforgettable PowerHouseGames in 2026. If you, your business, or your organisation would like to explore this opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.
Thank you
Thank you
To everyone who supported our Christmas Appeal: thank you for believing in inclusive sport and for helping us turn festive generosity into lasting impact. Together, you’ve shown just how powerful a community can be when it comes together to support inclusion.
If you’re interested in match funding or would like to find out more, please get in touch – we’d love to continue this journey with you.
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.
University of Roehampton PowerHouseGames 2025
What a day to remember! The fourth PowerHouseGames at the Roehampton Sports & Fitness Centre saw four schools come together with University of Roehampton volunteers to make yet another successful PowerHouseGames.
Ten groups, each with 4-5 pupils from every school and supported by enthusiastic University of Roehampton volunteers, rotated through a carousel of inclusive and exciting games – boccia, new age kurling, sitting volleyball, goalball, walking football, and saving the best for last, a chaotic, laughter-filled game of sitting netball with all participants joining in!
Sam Holness
A massive thank you to all who made the day a success! Thank you to staff and children from the schools: Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, St John Bosco College, Woldingham School, and College Park School. A shout-out to the friendly staff at Roehampton Sports & Fitness Centre for hosting us once again. A special thanks goes to Zak from UCFB and Graham from Boccia England for their expertise and encouragement, and to Sam – an inspiring triathlete and Guinness World Record holder for becoming the first triathlete with autism to compete at the Ironman World Championships!
This was my second time volunteering at the PowerHouseGames, the first being in September at Hyde Park, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of the Games again this December. With my first degree in Sports and Exercise Sciences and having a brother with autism and complex learning difficulties, the PowerHouseGames are something very close to my heart. I strongly resonate with Power2Inspire’s vision:
“a world where no one is left on the bench.”
What I personally love about the PowerHouseGames is the friendships that are formed in such a short amount of time. Without prompting from me, the pupils in my group were not only supportive and encouraging of one another during the different games, but also showed great sportsmanship by cheering on pupils from other groups.
The highlight of the day for me was seeing the sheer joy of one pupil in my group, Amir, from College Park, a school for pupils with autism and complex needs. Amir was initially supported by a member of staff, who soon stepped back and allowed him to take part independently. The other pupils in our group were incredibly encouraging, making sure Amir had his turn in every game.
As the day progressed, Amir became more excited and involved, and his laughter was contagious. It was wonderful to see his confidence grow. A member of school staff commented that it was the most excited and engaged they had seen Amir in a long time, which truly highlighted how impactful the PowerHouseGames can be for all pupils!
It wasn’t just me who saw how impactful the PowerHouseGames were. Another volunteer, Helena, also shared her experience:
“One of my highlights of the day was when two of the pupils gave me high fives at the end of the session. One of them told me that this was the best school trip they had ever been on.”
I am proud of and thankful to all the volunteers from the University of Roehampton who helped make the day a success.
Thank you to John Willis and the Power2Inspire team for making the PowerHouse Games happen and for letting us be a part of it. I look forward to the next one!
Sarah Atkinson
Digby Stuart College Engagement Administrative Officer
University of Roehampton
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.
Celebrating the first PowerHouseGames with the Saracens Foundation
Brand New Partnership
On 25th September 2025, we were thrilled to host the very first PowerHouseGames in partnership with the fantastic Saracens Foundation.
The event took place at StoneX Stadium under glorious sunshine – the perfect setting for a day dedicated to inclusion, teamwork, and the joy of sport. The Saracens Foundation team, led brilliantly by Olivia Patten, ran a round-robin tournament of fully inclusive sporting activities, including Walking Touch Rugby, Boccia, Goalball, Kwik Cricket, and Sitting Volleyball.
New Schools Coming Together
The mixed teams brought together pupils and staff from Saracens High School, The Windmill School (a local SEN school), and sixth form sports leaders from Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys. Seeing these groups come together – learning, laughing, competing, and supporting one another – was truly heartwarming.
Trying Out and Flourishing
For some participants, access to meaningful physical activity can be a real challenge. To watch them not only engage but thrive in a new environment, surrounded by new teammates, was a powerful reminder of what inclusive sport can achieve. Sport has the power to unite us all, and this event embodied that spirit perfectly.
The day wasn’t just about the activities – it was also a chance to connect like-minded organisations and individuals who share a passion for inclusion through sport. We were honoured to welcome Lorn Mayers as our guest speaker, who inspired us all. It was also a pleasure to have Hannah Sheppard and Nicky Little, our newly appointed Power2Inspire ambassadors, and the always-supportive staff from SLBS.
Handing Out the Thanks
A special thanks must go to the Saracens Foundation team – Olivia, Kieran Hopper, Gill T., and Evie Nicholas – whose energy and commitment made the day run seamlessly. Their work in local communities is already remarkable, and it was a privilege to collaborate on what we hope is the first of many events together. We also look forward to welcoming more members of the Saracens Multi-Academy Trust family to future PowerHouseGames.
Let's Do It Again
To everyone who took part, supported, volunteered, or simply cheered from the sidelines – thank you. You made this first event truly special.
Here’s to many more days of inclusive sport, shared joy, and community connection.
#sport #inclusion #inclusivesport #charity #sportingcharity
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 to Phil Bubb, a Power2Inspire trustee, for his support through the PowerHouseGames and for writing up this blog.
12 Stories, 12 Years - John's Road2Rio
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12 Stories, 12 Years
John's Road 2 Rio
From Cambridge to Rio: One man’s extraordinary year of inclusive sport
When the idea first landed, it sounded like something from a dream, or perhaps a dare. Could John, a man with no hands and no knees, take on every category of Paralympic sport in the run-up to the Rio Games? It wasn’t just about trying them. It would mean competing, adapting and in some cases, completely reinventing the equipment.
The seed was planted in 2015. With the Rio Paralympics approaching, someone floated the suggestion of a fundraiser. John was intrigued. He’d already completed a triathlon, but this was different, bigger, bolder. The Paralympics list contained more than forty events. That was too many, but the idea of doing one sport from each discipline stuck. The final list came to thirty-four sports, from swimming and athletics to boxing, judo, riding and archery.
Gearing up
The challenge began in a Cambridge prosthetics clinic, where the engineers became part of the adventure. Could they create a device that would let him hold a racket or a paddle? The first breakthrough was a clamp arm that could grip a tennis racket. From there, came specialised kit for archery, rowing and kayaking, all made possible thanks to a grant from the John Stewart Memorial Fund.
Starting the challenge
Organisation was key. The team contacted national governing bodies, booked venues, and found coaches willing to think differently. Cambridge City Council offered table tennis tables in public spaces, and John made an event of it outside the Kelsey Kerridge swimming pool, playing a friendly match against Connor Schwartz. At Cambridge United FC, halftime entertainment took the form of a football challenge: kick a ball into a skip to earn a £500 donation from a local sponsor. John’s shot missed by just six inches – but the sponsor, impressed by the effort, donated the money anyway.
Celebrating the familiar and learning new disciplines
Some events came naturally. Swimming was a lifelong love, so John decided to make it harder for himself: swimming every Paralympic distance in one day, from 50 metres to 1,500, finishing with a splash at Jesus Green Lido and a celebratory party. Others were far less comfortable. Diving from a three-metre board was exhilarating but terrifying, his brain screaming don’t do it even as his body leapt. Check out the short video below to see how incredibly brave John was…
Athletics posed its own hurdles!! Running and jumping were impossible, so the focus turned to throwing events. Shot put and javelin proved awkward given John has no grip. So it all boiled down to the hammer throw, an Olympic, but not Paralympic, event. Using his right arm and elbow inside the handle, John spun one and a half times and let it fly. Under the guidance of national coach Nick Shortland, he qualified as a guest at the U16 National Championships, setting a personal best of 13.45 metres.
Rowing was a return to familiar waters!! John had once been a cox at Cambridge, but this time, without knees or the ability to feather the blades, it meant rowing “square blades”. The technique was harder, the risk of hitting the water greater, but John proved he could adapt and still pull his weight in the boat.
Tennis, though, was a revelation. At Bisham Abbey, Paralympic performance head Geryt gave John his first lesson and his first criticism: “I don’t like your grip.” With adjustments to the equipment and style, John found himself invited to the British Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships, paired with none other than Dylan Alcott for an exhibition match. The crowd buzzed, the match was electric, and although Dylan’s first serve rocketed past him, John remembers the joy of simply being on court with a world-class player.
Not every sport was a match made in heaven. In taekwondo, John was exactly the right height to be kicked in the head, and with no leg to return the favour, the experience was brief and bruising. But he completed the challenge!
Horse riding, however, felt like coming home, a nod to his family’s equestrian background. Completing a dressage test and staying in the saddle earned him a rosette and a proud smile.
Looking back, John marvels at the sheer amount of organisation, the goodwill from coaches and clubs and the adaptations that made each sport possible. More than just a personal challenge, the Road2Rio showed the sporting world what true inclusion can look like. For some sports, it was the first time they had thought seriously about how to make their events accessible.
By the end of the year, the challenge had raised £15,000 for our charity, dedicated to ensuring that no one is left on the bench. And more than that, it had proven, to John, to the team, and to everyone who followed the journey, that with imagination, determination, and the right support, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
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.
Power2Inspire Team