On 11th October 2024, we were delighted to partner with the team at AVEVA as we held our first ever PowerHouseGames at Whitechapel Sports Centre in London.
Following the success of our PowerHouseGames with Cambridge University Rackets Club – that welcomed AVEVA volunteers – the previous week, we were extremely excited to meet even more AVEVA employees and get them to experience the power of inclusive sports.
Read more by clicking the event photo above
The day welcomed students from Plashet School and Mulberry Academy London Dock, as well as a group of eight individuals from a disability group based in Tower Hamlets. Additionally, we had a total of 17 corporate volunteers from AVEVA and 8 volunteers from Imperial College London participate, making it a truly collaborative and diverse occasion.
For most of us, getting to the venue by train was incredibly simple! Exit the station, look up, and the doors to the sports centre have practically opened for you! However, for those driving, it was a far more challenging task. Thankfully, with the help of a few locals, John managed to park a few roads away. We might gloss over the dreaded parking ticket we found on John’s car at the end of the day – annoying, but spirits remained high after the wonderful morning! Once parked, AVEVA employees collectively brought all our wonderful equipment to the centre ready for the school students. As well as this, a huge thank you must go to Royston Collins for bringing the disability group to the centre by bus and communicating effortlessly with us to make sure they could participate despite logistical obstacles.
The games played included boccia, new age kurling, sitting volleyball, walking football, and goalball, with all activities rotated so that everyone could experience different sports. Ten mixed teams, wearing colourful T-shirts, all experienced the power of inclusive sports, whilst building communication skills, confidence, and teamwork abilities.
Once the games were underway, I whizzed to Sainsbury’s to make sure we had snacks for the break! Under John’s instructions, we had 30 minutes, but with the help of two wonderful volunteers, we managed to get back in exactly 22 minutes and 23 seconds – record speed! During the break, it was wonderful to witness how comfortable and excited the students from Plashet School and Mulberry Academy London Dock already were. Not only were they expressing their enthusiasm for the games, but they were also encouraging each other ahead of the next rounds and eager to get back on their feet.
The disability group from Tower Hamlets arrived at this time, which was wonderfully timed! Teams grew in numbers, and we commenced the next rounds of games. The event was filled with heartwarming moments, but the integration of the disability group into each team, where they contributed their skills and joy, truly lifted the energy in the hall and everyone’s spirits.
One of the standout activities for me was sitting volleyball, where students and volunteers cheered each other on, fostering teamwork and boosting each other’s confidence. One student even approached a volunteer, John, and shared,
“This is the best sports day I’ve ever had. Everyone is happy, no one is sad. It is so inclusive.”
The day concluded with an exhilarating game of sitting netball, where the entire hall erupted with laughter and excitement. A highlight was noted by Emmet O’Reilly from AVEVA, who expressed that a student said,
“This is the most inclusive game I have ever played,”
and his team also expressed,
“I also feel great, there are so many benefits, and I’ve tried new games.”
This PowerHouseGames event was more than just a day of sports; it was a beautiful display of community, inclusivity, and the power of working together. I truly noticed, more than ever before, that the benefits of our events are simply endless for EVERYONE involved.
We look forward to being back at Whitechapel and partnering with AVEVA very soon!
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.
