108 Challenge Completed - An update.
- 108 miles
- 5 counties
- A whole host of amazing volunteers
- 1 mission – to raise vital funds for Power2Inspire!
With support from British Canoeing and months in the planning, our Founder and Chief Ambassador, John Willis, recently embarked on an epic 108-mile paddle, across 8 days, from Cricklade to Eton.
John, born without fully formed arms and legs, paddled through the stunning settings of Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxford with the help of a host of volunteers. From World Champion rowers, to complete novices, our fantastic volunteers joined John in his kayak for various stints of the journey, each one of them raising funds for the charity.
John’s challenge formed part of our wider ‘108 Challenge’ campaign, where we have been asking schools, businesses and the community to take part in a 108 Challenge of their own to help raise funds for our charity. From baking 108 cakes, swimming 108 lengths or running for 108 minutes – our inclusive campaign encourages you do something great, reach 108… and donate!
We are SO grateful for all the fundraising that is still 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:
“When I was a child my mother used to inspire me by telling me ‘I can do anything’. I’ve adapted this and my mantra has become ‘I can’t do it… yet’. This is something that has always driven me to take on challenges some may feel are impossible. I didn’t have role models when I was young, so I’m keen to make sure that I inspire others to believe anything is possible.
“It was an absolutely incredible experience to celebrate our charity’s 10th anniversary by paddling 108 miles across the country using an adapted paddle.
“I’d like to thank our wonderful volunteers who helped me on the journey and kept my spirits high until the very end.
“I was joined by some wonderful people, including flotillas from various canoe and paddling clubs across the route – their support was immeasurable.
“I can’t say it was an easy challenge – far from it. There were sections where I wasn’t sure I could physically continue – but with our wonderful volunteers boosting my morale – I made it, and I’m extremely proud.
“Not only are we aiming to raise vital funds to ensure we can continue to deliver inclusive and accessible sports events across the country, we’re also hoping to raise awareness of inclusion in sport.
“I set up Power2Inspire 10 years ago because when I was a child I was excluded from sport. I’ve made it my mission ever since to ensure no-one, no matter their ability, age, ethnicity, gender or race, is left on the bench like I was.
“Your donations will help us to continue inspiring people across the country to access inclusive sport.”
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 – and John is an inspiration to us all.
“We’re extremely proud of John and his commitment to our 108 Challenge – as well as our fantastic volunteers. Without them, the work we do just wouldn’t be possible.
“The 108 Challenge is a great way to raise money for our charity – there is nothing you can’t do!
“Your involvement and donations will allow us to continue providing sporting opportunity for all.”
There is still plenty of time to help us reach our fundraising target by donating to John’s challenge – or if you’re feeling inspired, take part in your own 108 Challenge!
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:
Bisham Abbey PowerHouseGames 2023 supported by VISA
Once again, we were joined by a whole host of British sports stars, fantastic volunteers from Visa UK and wonderful local schools to bring Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre to life this summer. For the second year running, we teamed-up for an afternoon filled with laughter, smiles and inclusive sports games.
Over 30 children from The Wren School, Bradfield College and Brookfields SEN School took part in the exciting sports day. They competed in an array of sports, including walking football, blind football, new age kurling, sitting volleyball, sitting netball, zonal basketball, goalball, kwik cricket, tri-golf, short tennis and boccia.
GB rower Nick Middleton, NFL Giant Lorn Mayers and double World Champion motorcyclist and winter Paralympian Talan Skeels-Piggins were amongst a whole host of sports stars who were also in attendance.
John Willis, Founder and Chief Ambassador, said:
“It was fantastic to bring together so many people from different walks of life for the PowerHouseGames last year, and even more fantastic to do it again this year. It really shows the impact that these sports days have on our volunteers – and it means the world that our wonderful Visa volunteers, local schools and sports stars have chosen to support us and get involved for the second year running.
I’d also like to thank Bisham Abbey for hosting again – a really great venue for a really great day.
We’d love to partner with more organisations, so if you’d like to bed inclusivity into your team building days – we’d love to hear from you.”
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.
With special thanks to Paul Sanwell of OP Photography for his fantastic photography on the day. All photos used with permission
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