There was an extra reason to celebrate when the PowerHouseGames returned to Cambridge Biomedical Campus (CBC) this September.
Among the smiles, cheers and friendly competition, one participant became the 7,000th person to take part in a PowerHouseGames, marking a huge milestone for Power2Inspire and our belief that no one should be left on the bench.
Returning to the CBC for the third time, the 116th PowerHouseGames brought together participants from Churchill School and Rowan, alongside an incredible 38 volunteers from across CBC. The biggest contingent of volunteers at the event yet.
The teams got stuck into the usual PowerHouseGames favourites, alongside some less familiar activites. Tabletop sports included table cricket, tabletop curling and polybat, while another station challenged participants with foam javeline and bean bag target throwing.
There was plenty of creativity involved too. Polybat was adapted using bean bags, with participants using the rectangular bats to flip them back and forth, a little like frying pans and pancakes. Tabletop curling also proved particularly popular, with a couple of participants enjoying it so much they said they would consider buying a set to play at home.
A celebration of belonging
Julie Spence, Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, officially opened the Games and spoke about what can happen when communities come together through sport.
“What a wonderful example this event is of what can happen when communities come together – schools, organisations, volunteers, supporters and, most importantly, people of all abilities coming together to enjoy sport and be part of a team.”
That was exactly what the morning was about: not just sharing the same space, but everyone playing alongside one another as teammates.
We were fortunate to have Paralympic gold medallist Dan Bentley with us, helping to facilitate the boccia activity.
Speaking to BBC Radio Cambridgeshire at the event, Dan described the PowerHouseGames as a great demonstration of inclusion.
For one participant from Rowan, it was tabletop curling that became a firm favourite:
“I found it really brilliant. With the experts and other participants, it’s great just being here. Curling has been my favourite – I love the speed, balance and just getting on with it.”
A huge part of the atmosphere came from the 38 volunteers from across Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Having volunteers join the teams is an important part of the PowerHouseGames. It gives people who might not usually meet or play sport together the chance to share the same experience.
One Campus volunteer said:
“I really enjoyed getting involved in the PowerHouseGames. There was such a positive atmosphere and it was brilliant to see everyone with all abilities getting involved and having fun.”
Celebrating our 7,000th participant
The morning also marked a particularly special PowerHouseGames milestone, as we celebrated our 7,000th participant.
Jensen was nominated as participant number 7,000 and was presented with a beach ball to mark the occasion. \
“I was nervous about the games as at previous events I have felt very overwhelmed and didn’t want to participate in anything, but the atmosphere was so welcoming. Everyone just accepted everyone else exactly as they were. I even ended up being the 7,000th attendee and won a beach ball! It was amazing to leave with a massive smile and a prize. I joined in with everything!”
For John, reaching 7,000 participants was about much more than the number itself.
“It’s all about seeing the smiles, hearing the cheers and watching people have fun together. Disabled or non-disabled, young or old, everyone can play and everyone can be included. That’s what the PowerHouseGames are all about.”
It was also fantastic to welcome Tom Jackson from BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, who came along to report on the event and capture this milestone moment.
Reaching 7,000 participants is a huge milestone for the PowerHouseGames, but the number only tells part of the story. Behind it are thousands of individual experiences of playing alongside someone new, discovering a sport or simply being given the opportunity to be part of a team.
A huge thank you to Cambridge Biomedical Campus for hosting us for the third time, as well as Churchill School, Rowan, Julie Spence, Dan Bentley and all 38 Campus volunteers who helped make the 116th PowerHouseGames such a memorable one.
As Julie put it at the beginning of the morning;
“Inclusion isn’t simply about making sure everyone can take part. It is about making sure everyone feels that they belong.”
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.
