Power2Inspire welcomes new ambassador
Power2Inspire is delighted to welcome a new ambassador to the team.
Rosie Williams, the Under 12 British Disability Gymnastics Champion 2022, has officially joined Power2Inspire as an ambassador and volunteer. She joins existing ambassadors Rachel Morgan (B1 Tennis World Champion) and her former Headteacher, Michael Wade.
Rosie says that she is still looking to educate herself about how disability gymnastics might be recognised internationally. She only became an official disability gymnast in 2022, despite having taken part in the sport from a young age.
Rosie commented:
“I’m excited to become an Ambassador for Power2inspire and be a part of the mission where everyone can take part in inclusive sport. I have a physical disability and I really want to motivate others and show that you can succeed even if you or other people think that the odds are against you.”
Her previous school, Quilters Junior School in Billericay, Essex is a long-standing supporter of Power2Inspire at their ‘Paralympic Week’. These visits from Power2Inspire gave Rosie the motivation and inspiration to take part in disability sports.
Quilters’ Paralympic Week celebrates inclusion, diversity and role models in a host of fun and accessible sports activities, including new age kurling, sitting volleyball, sitting netball and goalball for all year groups and classes.
Rosie then competed at the British Disability Gymnastics Championships and won the title of Under 12 All Round British Disability Champion. Her former headteacher at Quilters Junior School, Michael Wade, said that he was “very excited and proud” and asked Rosie if she would be part of the school’s 2023 Paralympic Week!
John Willis, Founder and Chief Ambassador, Power2Inspire, said:
“I am thrilled to hear of Rosie’s success – that is awesome and deserves a ‘High Paw!’ We are truly delighted to have Rosie as an ambassador and a volunteer and look forward to working with her.”
Disability gymnastics is not yet recognised internationally – however, Rosie is determined to help make this happen. Thank you to Rosie for getting involved with Power2Inspire and helping us to inspire others.
Look out for further exciting news about new Power2Inspire ambassadors – coming soon!
You can read more about our Team and Ambassadors here.
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.
First PowerHouseGames of 2023 with Cambridge University
Hurrah! First PowerHouseGames of the year brings fun, smiles and more to the young people of Cambridge
We were delighted to start 2023 with a cheer, making the short journey back to the University of Cambridge’s incredible sports centre for our second PowerHouseGames with the University’s Netball and Rugby League teams.
Taking place on Friday 13 January 2023, the games saw these two magnificent sports clubs partnering to play inclusive sports with local independent, state and special schools from the Cambridge area.
Consisting of 12 teams of 5, the Cambridge University Rugby League and Netball Clubs led pupils from St Faith’s School and Quilters Junior School – who had both attended PowerHouseGames before. They were joined by newcomers from Ivel Valley Special School, creating a trio of schools whose pupils were all incredibly excited to join in the fun – which consisted of boccia, sitting netball, goalball, new age kurling, walking football and touch rugby.
John Willis, Founder and Chief Ambassador, said that this was a great way to bring in the new year,
“overcoming their cautiousness – students from Ivel Valley are not used to being parted from their classmates and asked to join a group of strangers – they fitted in straight away, surprising their teachers. And judging from the smiles, squeals, cheering and shouts, they loved it!”
Wendy Chantrell, Integration Lead, Ivel Valley Physical Integration said,
“one of our teaching assistants commented they felt redundant, which is marvellous – our students were made so welcome, were so engaged and had such fun they didn’t need the support we often have to give. It is wonderful.”
Alex Laybourne, CEO, Power2Inspire, was particularly delighted:
“one student declared the organisation of the day was flawless – and that is why we get so many repeat bookings!”
Mike Wade, Headteacher of Quilters Junior School and Power2Inspire ambassador, added:
“the preparation makes the day run seamlessly and is so valuable in teaching inclusion, resilience, diversity, and teamwork.”
John Willis added, “a big shout out to all the Rugby League players and Netballers, as they drew all the school children into competitive teams. They showed inclusion in action. Thank you.”
The event’s success couldn’t have been achieved without the immense help from Power2Inspire volunteers, David Ellis and Steve Shaw, and to the wonderful photographer, Paul Sanwell. Thank you also to the University Sports Centre staff who show off the fabulous centre at its best – a real showcase for what the University of Cambridge has to offer.
John, Alex, and the Power2Inspire team are incredibly positive for what lies ahead:
“roll on the rest of the year and the other 19 PowerHouseGames we have planned. The fun and happiness bar has been set high – but we’re up for the challenge!”
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.
Power2Inspire Fundraiser takes on mighty Sani Stagger
Fundraiser Darren Lunz recently took on the fearsome Sani Stagger mountain marathon route to raise vital funds for Power2Inspire.
Darren, who aimed to raise £1000, believes that sport has an unlimited power to bring people together from all walks of life – and wanted to help Power2Inspire to continue to share this message and vision with people across the UK.
With an elevation gain of 1,300 metres, the 42.2km Sani Stagger is the steepest marathon in Southern Africa based between South Africa and Lesotho.
Amazingly, on 12th November, Darren completed the route – his first ever marathon attempt – in a time of just 6 hours, 6 minutes – although he says that it took another hour or so for his legs to start working again!
Darren Lunz, Power2Inspire fundraiser, said:
“Fundraising for Power2Inspire meant finding a challenge to inspire others, and to prove that we are all capable of achieving more than we think we can.
“Being in the Drakensberg, a natural heritage site, was incredible, and the atmosphere at the starting line was electric. On the day, the weather was perfect – although 5 minutes in, my watch gave me the bad news that I was behind compared to my usual performance condition on race day – not a great start!
“But the special people I connected with during the race – all united by slogging up a massive mountain – and remembering that I was doing this for a great cause, pushed me through the continuous climbs and difficult moments.”
Darren added that during the run, he was reminded about the power of sport and its ability to create positive change:
“overcoming challenges gives us important self-belief and unites us – it’s the ultimate victory.”
Alex Laybourne, Chief Executive, Power2Inspire, said:
“What Darren has achieved really is incredible, and we are all humbled that he decided to take on such a monumental challenge to support our charity. A massive thank you to Darren for his support – it’s hard to find the words to say how much we appreciate what he has done.”
John Willis, Founder and Chief Ambassador, Power2Inspire, said:
“Whilst we travel around the UK to help inspire others, it is people like Darren who help keep us inspired to continue to drive forward and share our vision. With his support we can achieve so much more – so from the bottom of our hearts, thank you to Darren – and everyone who fundraises for us.”
Darren commented further:
“it was a pleasure fundraising for Power2Inspire and I look forward to doing more events in the future.”
Help Darren hit his target!
Darren’s fundraising page is still open, so if you are able, please contribute to his £1000 target. By donating any amount, large or small, you will be making the world of difference to Darren, us and our vision of bringing inclusive sport to people in the UK. Please donate now.
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.
Winner of the Power2Inspire Christmas Card Challenge
We are delighted to announce that the winner of this year’s debut Christmas Card Challenge has been chosen.
The brand-new competition challenged school children around the UK to create a colourful Christmas card design featuring a festive character playing inclusive sports.
Chosen by Power2Inspire’s Founder, John Willis, the winning design was created by 10-year-old Didina.
Didina’s creative design featured a wheelchair basketball game in action.
Didina’s mum, Oana, added,
“both my daughter and I are very happy to receive this fantastic news. Our family is very proud of her for bringing such a beautiful homage to those who deserve our admiration and respect.”
John Willis commented,
“we had so many fabulous, thoughtful entries, and it was a real pleasure to see how everyone took on the brief to create such imaginative examples of inclusive sports at Christmas time. Picking a winning design was one of the trickiest things I’ve had to do this year!”
“I’d like to pass on my sincere thanks and appreciation to all the children who got involved – we hope you’ll enter our next competition.”
Power2Inspire’s Chief Executive Alex Laybourne added,
“we’ve been delighted to see so many fantastic entries to our very first Christmas Card Challenge – a big thank you to all who took part, and in doing so, are helping us spread the message that sport is for everyone, and that no one should be left on the bench.”
The winning design will be featured as Power2Inspire’s Christmas card this year.
The winner and runners-up are featured in the image carousel below.
Inspired?
Then Get Involved!
Take part in our next competition
Want to know when our next competition is?
Keep up to date with our news, events and future competitions by signing up to the Power2Inspire newsletter. Fill in the short form below and we’ll keep you updated on everything that is going on with Power2Inspire.
Disability History Month 2022 at Power2Inspire
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Disability History Month 2022 at Power2Inspire
If you follow us on our social media accounts, you will have seen us posting about Disability History Month. But what is it, why is it important to us, and how did we get involved?
What is Disability History month?
Disability History Month, which took place from Wednesday 16th November 2022 to Friday 16th December 2022, is an annual event creating a platform to focus on the history of our struggle for equality and human rights.
It’s both an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of people living with a disability and also to raise awareness: in the UK, 1 in 5 people have a disability, 83 per cent of which are acquired during working life.
Every year’s Disability History Month has its own theme, which in 2022 was: Disability, Health and Well Being.
Disability History Month provides a platform for us to get involved in the national conversation around disability, and an opportunity to:
Why is Disability History Month important to Power2Inspire?
Our Founder, John Willis, is a key part of our story, and the underlying force behind our vision and mission. Our vision is that we long to see a society where everyone can enjoy inclusive sport together, and our mission is to embed inclusive sport in communities by delivering events for everyone to enjoy.
So it’s important for us to get involved in national awareness days and months like Disability History Month, because that’s what we’re all about: helping to spread the word about inclusive sport.
What did we do?
Many of our followers really enjoyed what we did to get behind Disability History Month this year.
We posted over 70 pieces of social media content about it, using the hashtags #UKDHM and #DisabilityHistoryMonth, and along the way we shared everything from interesting facts and videos about the history of the Paralympics and International Silent Games; the story of our Founder John Willis, and how he overcame the challenges of growing up disabled in an able-bodied world; and interviews John gave to people from BBC Sport and local media.
John was even called on to speak about Disability History Month by That’s TV West Anglia!
It’s been a fun, fact-filled four weeks! Here are a few samples of what you may have missed:
To take a look at more of our Disability History Month content, and find out more about disability and inclusion in sports, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
You can get involved with Power2Inspire in so many different ways, big or small. By fundraising, volunteering at an event, or sponsoring one of our community initiatives, you can make a huge difference to so many people.
If you’re part of a school, college, university, business or community, you could also hold a PowerHouseGames: incredible sports days using adapted games and sports. All the activities are especially designed to be accessible and fun for everyone, old and young, with disabilities and none, sporty and not – and in so doing are wonderfully inclusive. Find out more about PowerHouseGames.
Power2Inspire Team