Some lessons can’t be taught in an assembly. They have to be experienced.
That’s what 90 participants discovered at our fourth Bedford Blues Foundation PowerHouseGames.
The start of a school year can feel a little strange. There are unfamiliar faces, and those first conversations don’t always come easily. For Bedford College students who had only recently started, the PowerHouseGames offered a chance to get to know each other. Staff were soon noticing new friendships forming.
Together with Bedford Blues Foundation, we brought everyone together for a morning of inclusive sport. Thankfully, the weather stayed dry as teams tried Walking Football, Touch Rugby, Kwik Cricket, Goalball, Boccia and Sitting Volleyball.
Getting stuck in together
Livingstone Primary School’s participants were excited to return after taking part in 2024, while others were discovering unfamiliar sports with new teammates.
Staff from Bedford College noticed older students looking out for younger participants. Personal tutor Harvey Foster explained:
“You don’t get to see that at college, because everyone’s a similar age, so it’s great to see them take a bit more of a responsible role in the group.”
He also pointed out a student who had been unsure about attending but was soon getting stuck into Boccia.
Teachers from Hazeldene Primary School, who brought 12 Year 6 pupils, were enjoying the connections forming:
“It’s nice to see that they’re making new friends and mixing with other children from other schools.”
For Jonathan Bungard, Deputy Head Pastoral in Bedford Modern School’s Junior School, the value went beyond the games:
“Seeing our pupils having the opportunity to interact with a really diverse range of people, of different ages and physical ability, and to better understand the need for equality, diversity and inclusion by experiencing it themselves, is more than I could possibly tell them in an assembly.”
Bellway returns for a third year
Six Bellway volunteers returned for their third year, supporting the games through volunteering and a donation. Rugby proved a favourite for some of their teams, with one volunteer saying:
“All the kids loved it. And I think we, as Bellway, loved it even more.”
We’re grateful for their continued support and enthusiasm.
Our first Inclusive Sport Partnership Award
We also presented the first Power2Inspire Inclusive Sport Partnership Award to Bedford Blues Foundation, with the team led on the day by Lilly Staniford.
The award recognises exceptional contributions to inclusive sport through partnership with Power2Inspire. The Foundation became its inaugural recipient for their outstanding support in delivering the fourth Bedford PowerHouseGames.
From setting up and delivering activities to organising teams, helping with refreshments and distributing medals and certificates, their team supported the morning right through to pack-down. The award recognised this contribution and their commitment to ensuring no one is left on the bench.
Thank you to Bedford Blues Foundation, Bellway and everyone who helped make the day possible. For the student who had been unsure about coming, we hope the memory of joining in makes the next opportunity feel a little easier.
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.
