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
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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.
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