PowerHouseGames returns to Welford Road with Leicester Tigers
For the second year in a row, the PowerHouseGames returned to the famous Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium to deliver a fun day of accessible and inclusive sports to a group of local schools, with the support of Leicester Tigers Foundation.
Last year, Leicester Tigers became the first major sports club to partner with Power2Inspire to host our signature event, which encourages people from different backgrounds and of different abilities to work together to learn new skills and have fun.
The second, equally successful, PowerHouseGames featured guest appearances from Leicester Tigers senior academy members Morgan Meredith and Joshua Manz and Women’s team players Bryany Chalk, Zoë Evans, Abi Gordon and Ofure Ugiagbe alongside students from Birchwood School, Two Rivers School, Lady Byron School, The Haven School, Robert Smyth Academy and SMB College Group (Brooksby) to participate in a range of inclusive sports.
There was also support provided from Leicester City and Leicestershire CCC, ensuring representation from across the local sporting community.
Players and students took part in a mix of inclusive games spread across six rounds including Goalball, Sitting Volleyball, Touch Rugby, an Obstacle Activity, Kwik Cricket and Walking Football.
Sam Swift, Leicester Tigers Foundation Manager said:
“The Leicester Tigers Foundation are really proud to be able to once again welcome the team from Power2Inspire for the inspirational Powerhouse games. It has been a very special day at the MWWR stadium, seeing a collection of participants from a broad range of diversities, collectively enjoying sport and wellbeing in unison.”
John Willis, Founder, and Chief Ambassador, said:
“It shows there’s real life in Powerhouse Games and people want to be involved again and again. And what an iconic stadium to be at! The attitudes of everyone have been fantastic: rule number one at Power2Inspire is to have fun and that’s been the case today – lots of smiles, lots of laughter and great celebrations across all the different sports.
“I was born without fully formed arms and legs and when I was little I was often just left on the bench: our overarching mantra now is ‘no one left on the bench’. This is all about getting everybody involved in sport, to have fun and it’s just wonderful to see people playing, having fun, helping each other and supporting one another.
“Last year we were able to run 11 Powerhouse Games and this year we’re aiming for 22 so we’re really growing and are delighted for the support.”
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.
108 Challenge Launch - Our Biggest Ever Fundraiser!
We are delighted to launch our new and exciting fundraiser, the Power2Inspire 108 Challenge.
Building throughout July 2023, it will be anchored by our headline event at the end of the month when Charity Founder and Chief Ambassador, John Willis, born without fully formed arm and legs will be taking to the River Thames to embark on an epic 108-mile kayak from Cricklade in Wiltshire to Eton in Berkshire. Supported by British Canoeing this amazing challenge will take place between Sunday 23rd July – Sunday 30th July 2023, raising vital funds for our charity.
Two ways to get involved
Everyone is invited to join in!!!
John’s 108-mile kayak is the big event, taking place from Sunday 23rd July until Sunday 30th July 2023. And the great news is that he will be paddling in a Double Kayak – giving YOU the opportunity to join him in the kayak for each two-hour section. The 108 miles has been broken down into 21 different sections along the river of c5miles. If you fancy taking on the Power2Inspire 108 Challenge in the kayak, and can raise at least £108 for the challenge then we would love to hear from you.
The Power2Inspire 108 Challenge also asks schools, charities, care homes, businesses and the public to get involved by taking part in their very own 108 challenge.
Whether it’s swimming 108km, reading 108 books or baking 108 cakes – we’d love you to get involved!
Do something great, reach 108 – and donate!
“I am extremely excited to be taking on my biggest challenge yet – and I hope the public can get involved by taking on their own 108 challenge. After recently beginning my training, I can safely say I will be pushing myself to new limits!
“It’s been an honour to host accessible and inclusive sports activities and events over the last ten years, and I look forward to continuing with the success over the next ten.
“Your donations will help us to continue inspiring people across the country to get involved with sports, ensuring no one is left on the bench.
“Our charity has grown from strength to strength over the years, and it’s an exciting time to be launching our biggest ever fundraiser.”
John Willis, Founder and Chief Ambassador
“It’s a privilege to be able to celebrate ten years of Power2Inspire. We’re extremely passionate about providing everyone with the opportunity of playing sport regardless of age, gender, faith, ethnicity or disability.
The 108 Challenge is a great way to involve the community in John’s biggest challenge yet. Your involvement and donations will allow us to continue providing sporting opportunity for all.”
Alex Laybourne, Chief, Executive Officer
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:
SuperSensory1K 2023: A Celebration of Inclusion and Sensory Exploration
With the successful return of the SuperSensory 1K in 2023, the air was buzzing with excitement and anticipation. This inclusive event saw 55 participants of all ages and abilities walking, running, or wheeling around a one-kilometre course, while delighting in the sensory stations representing the five senses dotted along the way. Here’s a snapshot of this unforgettable day.
Our journey begins with the Smell tent, thoughtfully managed by Mahesh and Heidi, which welcomed participants with a variety of intriguing scents to discover. From the aroma of fragrant flowers to the mystery of exotic spices, this station stimulated curiosity and brought smiles to the faces of those who dropped by. Heidi remembers:
“There are lots of lovely memories from the day. We had set up some fresh herbs and spices without their labels, and it was nice to see some surprised looks as people guessed the cardamom, fennel, and ginger.
The roses were another favourite, one of my personal highlights was the wheelchair user who took one in her hair, and looked (and smelled) lovely as she made her way around the tents.
Overall, a wonderful day with Power2Inspire, and I look forward to getting involved again!”
Next, the Sight tent, run by Tom, Sara, and Lindsey, offered a feast for the eyes. Participants were captivated by a wacky mirror and the enchanting sight of floating bubbles. A special moment was watching a young girl’s face light up as she watched her reflection twist and turn in the mirror, and another girl giggling with joy as she tried to catch the elusive bubbles.
The Touch tent, hosted by the enthusiastic Williams family, provided an array of textures for exploration. The family shared their experience:
“It was Rosie’s first SuperSensory 1K as a Power2Inspire ambassador and our first time volunteering at a Power2Inspire event, and I’m sure it won’t be our last. We were manning the touch station, and it was a pleasure to observe the joy and interact with people of all ages and abilities that stopped at our station. It was truly a ‘super’ SuperSensory 1K and a super way to spend the bank holiday.”
The journey of the senses continued with the Hearing tent, joyfully managed by the Laybourne family—Nikki, Alex, and their daughter Esme. Participants revelled in the variety of sounds and music, creating a lively atmosphere that invited everyone to join in. Nikki shared,
“It was a super event to be involved in and great to see the delight that playing the musical instruments and making as much noise as possible created. One highlight was the care home residents getting great joy out of playing the maracas.”
Finally, the Taste tent, run by David Ellis and Jeremy Macklin with the assistance of Colin and Steve, offered an eclectic mix of flavours for participants to enjoy. From sweet treats to savoury bites, everyone found something that delighted their taste buds.
What makes the SuperSensory 1K truly special are the individual stories from the day that remind us of why we host this event. The Touch tent, managed by the Williams family, became a hub of creativity and exploration, and the family were kind enough to share some touching moments that stood out to them.
There was Fred, a young boy whose imagination ran wild as he played with the putty and sand at their station. He spent a good 20 minutes engrossed in creating robots and cakes, his concentration a testament to the immersive nature of the experience.
Then there was the parent of a child who fell in love with the putty to the point where she wanted to recreate this sensory adventure at home. The mother was so taken by her child’s engagement that she asked to take a picture of the putty box to find the same one for their home.
This year’s SuperSensory 1K was a beautiful demonstration of inclusivity and sensory exploration. A heartfelt thanks to the Friends of Histon and Impington Rec, our generous sponsors, and dedicated volunteers for their invaluable contributions. We can’t wait to see you all again on Bank Holiday Monday in 2024 for the next SuperSensory 1K!
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.
With special thanks to Tony Barr at Alban Images for his incredible photography on the day. All photos used with permission
Sheringham High Games2Inspire 2023 for Yr7 students
On Friday, 21st April 2023, Sheringham High School in North Norfolk once again hosted the highly anticipated Games2Inspire event, this time exclusively for the Year 7 students. Coordinated by Rachael Harding, the school’s SENCo, this SEND awareness day was organized in partnership with Power2Inspire, providing pupils with an inclusive sports workshop featuring a carousel of engaging sports activities.
The day began with an inspiring assembly led by John, the founder of the charity. He shared his personal story of growing up with a disability and overcoming barriers. His speech captivated the students and sparked a lively question-and-answer session, with students eager to learn more about John’s experiences and how he manages day-to-day tasks. Children asked how John writes, opens a fizzy drink can, and eats. His answers revealed the creative ways he adapts to these challenges: holding a pen or pencil between his “paws” to write, using a pen or fork to lever the tab on a drinks can open, and again using his “paws” to hold a spoon or fork while eating.
Following the assembly, the 120 Year 7 students were split into four groups of approximately 30 students, and further divided into smaller teams of 10 during their Power2Inspire sessions. The teams participated in a rotation of three exciting indoor activities: goalball, new age kurling, and sitting volleyball, each lasting around 20 minutes.
Goalball, a Paralympic sport designed for visually impaired athletes, was a popular choice among the students. Under the guidance of Tom, an amazing volunteer from the charity, the participants quickly picked up the rules and tactics of the game, displaying teamwork and enthusiasm throughout the matches.
New age kurling, an adaptation of the traditional ice-based sport that uses spherical wheels on a regular floor, captured the students’ imagination. The participants enjoyed the strategic element of the game, as well as the opportunity to experience a sport that many had never tried before.
Sitting volleyball, led by John himself, proved to be the favourite activity among the students. The key to its success was adapting the ball to suit different abilities, ensuring that all students could participate and have fun. The matches were lively and competitive, with students cheering on their teammates and celebrating their successes. John’s involvement undoubtedly added to the excitement and appeal of sitting volleyball for the students.
The Games2Inspire event at Sheringham High School was a resounding success for the Year 7 students. Students, teachers, and volunteers alike revelled in the spirit of inclusivity and the opportunity to learn about and participate in adaptive sports. The enthusiasm and excitement in the air were palpable, as students discovered new sports and developed a greater appreciation for the abilities of disabled athletes.
With the day’s events leaving a lasting impression on the Year 7 students and staff at Sheringham High School, the school is already looking forward to hosting another Games2Inspire event for the Year 8 students later in the school year. These events continue to promote inclusivity and SEND awareness within the school community, creating an enriching and supportive environment for all students.
Tom Roper, a Power2Inspire volunteer summed up the day perfectly:
“Today was indeed a challenge, but I believe it was also a good day, a fulfilling day. We had an opportunity to bring a new perspective to these Year 7 students, and I can confidently say that the Games2Inspire event has made a significant impact on them. We’ve seen their enthusiasm, their willingness to understand, and their determination to overcome barriers. This isn’t just about sports, it’s about life, and today, we have sown seeds of inclusivity and respect in their minds. I can’t wait to see how these young minds will carry this experience forward and build a more inclusive future.“
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.
Archie Eaton - Power2Inspire's newest ambassador
Power2Inspire is delighted to welcome its second new ambassador of 2023 to the team.
Archie Eaton joins fellow ambassadors Rosie Williams (Under 12 British Disability Gymnastics Champion 2022), Rachel Morgan (B1 Tennis World Champion) and Headteacher at Quilter’s Junior School, Michael Wade.
Archie chose to become a Power2Inspire ambassador as he feels that inclusion has become increasingly important in sport.
“I think being a Power2Inspire ambassador is an amazing way to bring communities together under the banner of inclusive sports. I am really looking forward to the first of many events that I can be a part of!”
The third year Worcester University Sports Coaching Science student says that his favourite sport is boccia as
“It’s one of those sports that is truly accessible to anyone.”
Asked what he hopes to bring to Power2Inspire’s mission, Archie commented:
“I hope to bring new ideas – as well as a very competitive atmosphere! – so that more people can enjoy a fun and inclusive environment.”
Power2Inspire Founder, John Willis, added:
“It’s fantastic to have Archie on board. We first met at a PowerHouseGames at Worcester University in 2022, where, as a sports science student with disability sports, he was a supervisor – and were incredibly impressed by his enthusiasm and determination! We know that Archie will be brilliant in his new ambassador role and can’t wait to work with him.”
Meet Archie’s fellow Power2Inspire ambassadors.
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.
