Our first PowerHouseGames with Worcester University!
PowerHouseGames makes wonderful debut in Worcester
Cambridge-based inclusion charity Power2Inspire were thrilled to bring their mighty PowerHouseGames outside of the county, to Worcester, for the very first time, with local partners, schoolchildren and volunteers.
The inaugural event, which took place at University of Worcester Arena on Wednesday 2nd November 2022, saw local school pupils and volunteers from the University of Worcester and Worcester Bosch take part in half a day of inspiring, inclusive activities which included touch rugby, seated netball, walking football, the Paralympic sport, boccia, kwik cricket and wheelchair basketball.
Partners for the event included Worcester Warriors Foundation and the University of Worcester School of Sport.
John Willis, Power2Inspire’s Cambridge-based Founder and Chief Ambassador, said:
“As ambassadors for Cambridgeshire it’s been fantastic to take our PowerHouseGames event further afield and make our debut in Worcester. We loved bringing the games to local children and university volunteers who were all absolutely brilliant, and so enthusiastic about learning new things. It’s been heart-warming to be part of a day which we hope will leave participants feeling inspired and excited about the possibilities that inclusive sports have to offer”.
Chair of Power2Inspire, Jeremy Macklin, commented:
“This was a great day, and significant geographical extension of this great charity as we moved into the West Midlands. Big thanks to Rebecca Foster and team from University of Worcester and Chris Stephenson and team from Worcester Warriors Foundation. We look forward to more events in Worcestershire and beyond.”
Taking part in the day’s activities were Worcester-based pupils from Regency School and Christopher Whitehead Language College.
Local sports stars who volunteered at the PowerHouseGames included Adam Finch and Will Rowley of Worcester Cricket, Toby Grayling and Jacob Dearman from Worcester Wolves, Commonwealth Field Judge and ex-National Hammer thrower, Jack Lambert, Worcester Warriors and U23 England Rugby Player Tori Sellars, Step 4 Football referee Nathan Charles, and players and coaches from Severn Stars netball, including Izzy Eaton and Jo Tripp among others.
Teacher Eleanor Bufton of Regency School said that her student, Troy, was pleased that he was being asked to help his team with the rules and skills because, as a wheelchair user, he had played it more than them. She added that another pupil, Katie, asked if they could play seated netball at school…and she also offered to coach her class.
Lisa Glass of Christopher Whitehead Language College accompanied 24 of her students from years 8 and 9. She commented,
“they loved all the activities and felt they had so much fun. All came away with a positive feeling and a greater respect for the way the special school students participated. They want us here to do some of the sports in our PE sessions. Absolutely inspiring.”
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.
Tom Grayling, a Worcester Wolves NBL player who volunteered at the event, said:
“most children won’t have done events like this before, but it’s eye opening – I’ve never played boccia before – it’s good, you need to see the other half!”
Phoebe, a pupil taking part, said about playing wheelchair basketball:
“it’s quite easy and fun too, although I’ve never been in one before! It’s easy once you get the hang of it…I’ve scored two in the highest hoops!”
And of being in a wheelchair, she added,
“it’s easy but I see how people in wheelchairs see things now…it’s interesting. I’m glad I took part in this today, it’s really fun and very, very interesting to see how other people go through life.”
Another pupil taking part was George, 13, who said:
“my favourite sport was walking football, and I’ve also done wheelchair basketball – that was really fun. It was good to feel what someone else is feeling and the way they go through life. [The experience of being in a wheelchair] is generally something that can be quite worrying for people, but when other people understand, it makes the whole situation a lot better.”
Chris Stephenson, Adapted Sports Lead at Worcester Warriors Foundation, commented:
“Warriors Community Foundation deliver a range of adapted and multi-sport sessions into local Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools to increase participation and exposure to rugby via a multi-sport approach. Working with Power2Inspire and the University of Worcester, both of whom share our ethos of inclusion and serving society’s most excluded and disadvantaged groups, will not only benefit these groups but enable us to grow a sustainable and safe environment for SEN children and provide more multi sports delivery within Worcestershire. Plans are already being drawn up for next year’s festival”.
Rebecca Foster MBE, Principal Lecturer for Adapted Physical Education at the University of Worcester School of Sports, and former Deaflympic Athletics Team Manager and Coach, said,
“This was an outstanding event that brought a range of different people together to share a love of inclusive sport. The University of Worcester students who led the events were amazing as they adapted activities, so all people achieved and had fun. I received an email from the special school that attended, and they said that the children had gone back to school buzzing, showing off their medals. I am so glad that John [Willis] approached us and will be delighted to work with him again. THANK YOU!”
Dr Emma Richardson, Senior Research Fellow at University of Worcester, also tweeted,
“Can’t speak for the kids but I had a GREAT time at Power2Inspire! So much fun ‘working’ by trying new sports, laughing the whole time and tiring my legs out…thank you John (Willis, Power2Inspire Founder), Rebecca Foster, Worcester Warriors Foundation, University of Worcester PE Department…for a fantastic day.”
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.
Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge's inaugural PowerHouseGames!
Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge inaugural PowerHouseGames October 2022
We were thrilled to team up with volunteers from Fitzwilliam College, to host another successful PowerHouseGames at Cambridge University’s Sports Centre.
Young people from Highfield Ely Academy, Impington Village College and King’s College School joined us to immerse themselves in an array of inclusive, accessible, and fun sports games. The sports included boccia, kwik cricket, new age kurling, goalball, sitting netball and a new edition, zonal badminton. However, zonal badminton did not work as well as planned, and as a result, in true Power2Inspire fashion, we adapted the games to offer sitting volleyball alongside the badminton, to ensure everyone felt included.
Emma Clifton, Teacher at Impington Village College, said:
“I brought along some year 10 sports leaders to help out with the inclusive PowerHouseGames. It was fantastic to see how the leaders have grown in confidence and enthusiasm, and we’ve all had a great morning.”
John Willis, Founder and Chief Ambassador, said:
“We had another truly fantastic morning. These PowerHouseGames were a great example of what inclusion is all about.
“I’d like to thank all of our excellent volunteers who helped to make the morning such a success. I received lots of great feedback and comments on the enthusiasm of our volunteers and how everyone shared the same ethos.”
Maya Hodgson, President of Sports & Societies, Fitzwilliam College, said:
“We were put in contact with Power2Inspire last summer after speaking with the team at Cambridge University Sports Centre. We were very lucky to have John Willis attend our college sports day last summer, where John introduced us to new inclusive sports games. Fast forward a few months and we were able to organise our very own PowerHouseGames.
“Inclusion within sport is something we are very passionate about achieving at college level, so Power2Inspire’s mission has always resonated with us.
“It was really rewarding to watch all of the children work together to learn how to play new and inclusive sports. It was amazing to see some of the children markedly grow in confidence over the morning and we would encourage other organisations to work with the charity to organise their own PowerHouseGames.
“It’s a great way to give back to the local community, and you’ll have so much fun in doing so!”
Bethany and Maya from Fitzwilliam
with John Willis
Bethany Haran, President of Sports & Societies, Fitzwilliam College, said:
“At the start of the morning I met a pupil from Highfield Ely Academy, he joined our team and expressed he didn’t like sports because he didn’t believe he was very good at any of them. He said he preferred watching everyone else play and would rather be at school. I could feel his worry about letting the team down, but it was amazing to witness the changes in his confidence during the games and the friendships that were made.
This pupil grew from strength to strength, he loved new age kurling and boccia, and he was brilliant at them. He took on a leadership role within the team and wanted to guide us to victory. It was amazing to see our entire team encouraging one another in moments of difficulty as well as celebrate each other’s successes.
I felt a huge sense of gratitude to see the impact Power2Inspire’s mission has on all school children and have gained so much confidence in my own communication and leadership skills too.”
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 Dr Nicola Jones, Director of Communications & Engagement at Fitzwilliam College for her fantastic photography on the day. All photos used with permission
Cambridge University Football Club's 2nd PowerHouseGames in 2022
Cambridge University Association Football Club PowerHouseGames September 2022
We recently teamed up with Cambridge University Association Football Club (CUAFC), local primary schools and Cambridge University Sports Centre to host another fantastic PowerHouseGames. This time, we were joined by Castle School and King’s College School, who all commented on what an excellent morning they had.
CUAFC held their first ever PowerHouseGames back in March this year, and loved it so much they signed up for a second one this term! They, along with local primary schools, came together to take part in a morning of fun, inclusive and accessible sports games. Touch rugby, boccia, sitting netball and new age kurling were just a few of the games on the agenda. CUAFC volunteers also immersed themselves in blindfolded football, including dribbling and penalties and commented on how difficult it was to play their sport in an adapted way.
Jake Barker, Outreach Officer, CUAFC, said:
“I speak on behalf of all of the volunteers from CUAFC, we had a fantastic morning.
“It was so much fun and Power2Inspire are doing a wonderful job of making sport inclusive for all. I would highly recommend getting involved with a PowerHouseGames.”
The games also welcomed special guests Colin Field, CEO of Saffron Walden Building Society, Sally Field, Business Development Consultant and Nicola Bretherton, a life-skills coach. All of whom commented on what a fantastic morning they had, and how much the ‘lovely atmosphere’ made them smile.
After a fantastic session, children from Castle School and Kings College School were presented with their medals and certificates from another special guest, Paralympian footballer for England and Team GB Football Development Officer, Ryan Kay.
John Willis, Founder and Chief Ambassador, said:
“It was a wonderful way to spend the morning. It was a real pleasure to bring together schools from the community, CUAFC and special guests to unite in a morning of inclusive sport.
“We’re always thrilled to welcome special guests from all industries to come along and see what our PowerHouseGames are all about.”
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.
Cambridge University Rugby Club PowerHouseGames 2022
Cambridge University Rugby Union Football Club PowerHouseGames, sponsored by PEM Accountants
We recently teamed up with Cambridge University Rugby Union Football Club (CURUFC), local primary schools and corporate sponsors, PEM Accountants, to host a fantastic PowerHouseGames at Cambridge University Sports Centre.
Castle School, Impington Village College and St. John’s College School came together with volunteers from CURUFC and PEM to take part in fun and accessible sports games, including touch rugby, walking football, boccia, new age kurling and sitting netball.
The sports centre was filled with fun, laughter and smiles for the entire morning, and it was evident to see what a fantastic time was had by everyone involved.
Primary School pupils from Impington Village College were encouraged to write down their thoughts after taking part, they commented on making new friends, and how much they enjoyed the experience. The following was noted:
‘Anyone can do anything if they put their mind to it.’
‘This experience reminded me to always live, laugh and love all of the time’.
‘It’s been an enjoyable experience and inspired me to work with people of different abilities.’
‘I really enjoyed it and had lots of fun, these events help you make lots of new friends.’
James Burrett, Partner, PEM Accounts said:
“This was PEM’s fourth year supporting the PowerHouseGames and it was just as inspiring this year as the first year. The PowerHouseGames are a great demonstration as to how sport can create a level playing field and allow people to give back to the local community.
“PEM are proud of the support and opportunities we have provided to the children and our staff. We will continue to support the Games moving forward.”
John Willis, Founder and Chief Ambassador, said:
“Rule number one of the PowerHouseGames is to have fun, and it was certainly clear to see that everyone had great fun, enjoyed themselves and spent the duration of the morning smiling.”
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.
Quilters Paralympic Week 2022
Quilters' Junior School Paralympic Week 2022
Our Chief Ambassador and Founder, John Willis, recently returned to Quilters’ Junior School in Essex, for their annual Paralympic Week. Quilters’ Paralympic Week celebrates inclusion, diversity and role models in a host of fun and accessible sports activities.
Taking place over the week, John hosted a series of accessible sports games, including new age kurling, sitting volleyball, sitting netball and goalboal for all year groups and classes to get involved with. Quilters’ pupils played sports in a competitive fashion, practiced resilience, teamwork and perseverance competing in fun games against other classes in their year group.
The week particularly focused on role models, with Mike Wade, Quilters Head Teacher introducing John as his inspiring role model. John encouraged pupils to live by his mantras; “never give up”; “practice makes progress”; and “I can’t do it… YET”.
By the end of the week, pupils were chanting this back to him.
The week also saw an exhilarating tennis competition between John and Mike, cheered on, in pantomime style, by lots of inspired pupils – although the tennis champion is still up for debate!
John Willis, Chief Ambassador and Founder said:
“I believe passionately everybody has the power to inspire. The pupils of Quilters Junior inspired me, each other and their teachers through their engagement, sportsmanship and leaving no-one on the bench.
We had another fantastic week at Quilters, and we’re already looking forward to coming back next year. It’s great to hear the students really taking on board my positive mantras, lots of children remembered them from previous years which is excellent.”
Lots of positive feedback has been received, with parents telling us how excited their children are when John visits the school.
One parent of a Year 6 pupil, said:
“I just wanted to say thank you so much for all that you have done over the last week.
“My son has been so inspired and engaged by John; he has talked about the sessions every day when he has got home, and has of his own volition been starting conversations with me about determination, perseverance and inclusion.
“As a parent, this is exactly what I want for my son – a mindset and inspirational figure that goes way beyond what school normally gives. So, thank you.”
Huge thank you to Quilters Junior School for hosting us, we look forward to returning next year.
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. As you can read in our Latest News we have even found a way to make our Games2Inspire a success in lockdown so don’t hesitate to get in touch and we can help you plan your very own Games2Inspire!!
Click the button here to find out more.
