CUCC PowerHouseGames 2024
On the 14th March 2024, founder of Power2Inspire, John Willis, returned to the Cambridge University Cricket Club for our fifth annual edition of the PowerHouseGames.
The PowerHouseGames were proudly sponsored by construction management company, Willmott Dixon. Willmott Dixon wholeheartedly supports inclusivity and diversity, so it was fantastic to have an organisation that aligned with our mission sponsoring the PowerHouseGames.
Among the participating schools was the Perse School, a longstanding partner of Power2Inspire. Pupils from the Perse School enthusiastically engaged in six adapted sports, gaining first-hand experience of the joys of inclusive sports!
In addition to the Perse School, there were students from Landmark International School and Castle School plus volunteers from Cambridge University lent their support to the event, showcasing qualities of leadership, teamwork, communication, and adaptation as they guided participants through the games.
Experience the Cambridge University Cricket Club PowerHouseGames, featuring discussions with John Willis, representatives from Willmott Dixon, The Perse School, and the Co-President of Cambridge University Cricket Club, in the video here:
Founder & Chief Ambassador of Power2Inspire, John Willis, said:
“This PowerHouseGames was particularly a special one, as it marked our fifth games with Cambridge University Cricket Club. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our sponsor, Willmott Dixon, whose support enables us to continue our mission of advancing inclusivity through sports.
A massive thank you also goes out to the fantastic volunteers, enthusiastic schools like the Perse School and Landmark International School, and the inspiring participants who make these events a success.
We cannot wait for our sixth edition of the games with the club!”
Corporate partners are vital to us as they allow us to create these fun events. Thank you to Willmott Dixon for supporting this event and sending volunteers to help lead the teams. If your company would like to get involved, help the community, and provide worthwhile volunteering for your employees, please get in touch.
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.
Team Power2Inspire at the Cambridge Half Marathon 2024
We were delighted that two of our fantastic volunteers from Cambridge University AFC decided to run the 2024 Cambridge Half Marathon on behalf of Power2Inspire. Ujjal Sunuwar and Naylin Naidu, who had volunteered with us at our PowerHouseGames last year, set off on this fantastic course whilst raising money to help us fulfil our mission to ensure no one left on the bench.
Huge thank you to our runners Ujjal and Naylin for supporting us. We rely on your help to make a difference as we do. Ujjal said:
“It was an incredible cause to run for, and I enjoyed the experience thoroughly”.
We also want to thank Jake Barker, CUAFC Community Outreach Officer who has been such a champion of Power2Inspire throughout his time at Cambridge. Jake said:
“I’m incredibly proud of the efforts Ujjal and Naylin made on behalf of Cambridge University Association Football Club (CUAFC) last Sunday. It was great to continue our long term commitment to helping to support and raise awareness of the fantastic work that Power2Inspire achieves (P2I). It caps off a wonderful year of outreach and charity from CUAFC, and we look forward to continuing our efforts with John and the team at P2I to ensure sport is accessible to everybody”.
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.
Ant and Dec award John Willis with ITV’s exciting ‘Takeaway Getaway’!
… it’s a hat trick!
Our charity Founder and Chief Ambassador makes the spotlight once again, but this time in front of an audience of 18 million on ITV’s prime-time Saturday night stage.
Last week, John Willis was invited along to take part in Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway live audience, but little did he know he would be surprised with a famous ‘Takeaway Getaway’!
After receiving a Pride of Britain award and the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award to recognise his fantastic fundraising achievements following his 108 miles of kayaking across the River Thames – John was scouted by ITV once more. Our charity Founder was surprised on ITV, live on Saturday night by Ant and Dec with a holiday of his choice, for four people.
Ant and Dec congratulated John both live on air, and back stage for his wonderful fundraising achievements and for everything he continues to do to ensure that everyone is afforded the opportunity to play sport.
John Willis, said:
“It was an honour to be invited along to Ant and Dec’s wonderful prime-time Saturday night TV show. What a fantastic, wholesome 90 minutes of fun, thrill and frivolous entertainment – and even better to be recognised and awarded!
“I have spent over a decade promoting inclusive sport and showing people that anything is possible – so it was wonderful to highlight our wonderful charity, Power2Inspire, live to over 18 million viewers.
“It truly was a fantastic evening – and I’m still shocked I made it to the telly!”
You can find out more, and watch the moment back, here:
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
We are SO grateful for all our volunteers and fundraisers. We would not be able to put on such extraordinary events without you! If you’d like to make a MASSIVE difference to people’s lives through Power2Inspire’s vision to ensure “no one is left on the bench!” then click on our Volunteers page to find out more, or go direct to Hero and sign up to find your next opportunity to get involved.
Power2Inspire Partners with Hero to Advance Social Change
We are thrilled to unveil our latest partnership with Hero, a groundbreaking platform connecting volunteers with impactful charitable causes. This partnership between our two organisations seeks to inspire and empower individuals who are keen to make a tangible difference in their communities.
Founded by chartered accountant and remarkable Power2Inspire fundraiser, Darren Lunz, Hero was generated from an innate desire to create an accessible platform for people seeking meaningful volunteer opportunities.
Through this collaboration, Power2Inspire and Hero are set to amplify the landscape of volunteering, offering a comprehensive platform where both volunteers and charities can unite, fostering a seamless and effective process.
This exciting venture promises a wealth of new opportunities, inviting individuals and organisations alike to join together and collectively steer towards a more compassionate, helpful, and impactful future.
Alex Laybourne, CEO, Power2Inspire, said:
“We are delighted to team-up with Hero to provide our volunteers with an accessible platform to aid supporting our charity.
Darren is a long-term friend of our charity, and his extensive volunteering background ensures he knows first-hand how much this platform can help improve volunteer’s experiences.”
Darren Lunz, Founder, Hero, and keen volunteer, said:
“I’m thrilled to team up with Power2Inspire who are doing incredible things in the community, and invite you to join our aligned mission of making a positive impact! Heroapp.co.uk, is your go-to destination for flexible volunteering opportunities that fit seamlessly into your schedule.
Discover exciting events, connect with passionate volunteers, and be a part of something bigger – all at no cost to you! We believe in the power of community and the change it can bring. Visit heroapp.co.uk and let’s make a difference together!”
You can sign up to Hero and register to volunteer for our upcoming events by clicking the image here:
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
We are SO grateful for all our volunteers and fundraisers. We would not be able to put on such extraordinary events without you! If you’d like to make a MASSIVE difference to people’s lives through Power2Inspire’s vision to ensure “no one is left on the bench!” then click on our Volunteers page to find out more, or go direct to Hero and sign up to find your next opportunity to get involved.
Chair of Power2Inspire receives Scottish Rugby cap
We are delighted to announce that Power2Inspire Chair of Trustees, Jeremy Macklin, has been presented with a retrospective International Cap by Scottish Rugby!
The award is part of Scottish Rugby’s 150th Anniversary celebrations and is a tribute to honour players who represented Scotland in matches that didn’t carry Test cap status at the time.
Jeremy received his cap for representing the Scotland XV in their match against France on 26 September 1987.
Scotland cap 1181, Jeremy Macklin (left) with 95-year-old Mum, Janet – who once played international hockey on the Murrayfield pitch! Credit: Scottish Rugby
Founder & Chief Ambassador of Power2Inspire, John Willis, said:
“This is a fantastic recognition of a truly remarkable man. Not only was he an elite player dedicated to getting to the top level, he has now, as Chair of Power2Inspire, demonstrably given back.
“He is just as passionate about enabling people of all abilities, especially disabled children, to join in the fun of sport through our PowerHouseGames. I am proud to call Jeremy my and Power2Inspire’s friend.”
Congratulations Jeremy for receiving this prestigious recognition! We take immense pride in having you as our Chair of Trustees!
If you’d like to support Jeremy in his mission to raise money for Power2Inspire he is running the Bidwell’s Oxford 10k on 12th May and would love a donation to help him round! Click the button here for more details.
The most recent retrospectively capped players with the current Scotland squad, ahead of a Guinness Men’s Six Nations match in February. Credit: Scottish Rugby
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.