My first PowerHouseGames!
It was great to finally see firsthand what the PowerHouseGames really are and the incredible impact they have on everyone involved.
This was Power2Inspire’s second PowerHouseGames with Saracens Foundation and, as Power2Inspire’s new Marketing and Communications Assistant, it was my first event since joining back in February. It was something I would now say was long overdue.
After a long commute to StoneX Stadium, it was great to finally meet Alex, John and the team face to face. After getting the lowdown from John about all the games that were going to be played and learning during a test run of goalball that without my sight, I apparently do not know my left from my right, it was time for the schools to arrive.
We were joined by Saracens High School, Windmill School, Woodlands School and Aurora Meldreth Manor, who were also attending their first PowerHouseGames.
Adapting the format as always
Despite being pushed inside due to the unpredictable British weather, it did not dampen the energy of the day. It was great to see everyone getting stuck into the games and growing in confidence as the day went on. Watching the children go from being unsure at first to confidently knocking the other team’s ball out of the way during Boccia, and then celebrating what they had achieved, was amazing to see. You could physically see their confidence grow and watch it empower them for the rest of the day.
Coming together
I think it would be a unanimous decision that everyone’s favourite part of the day was the massive game of sitting netball at the end. I was warned that the game could get chaotic, but nothing prepares you for seeing three or more foam balls flying around while participants shuffled around faster than you would think possible!
The joy on everyone’s faces during the game was undeniable, and I even caught those on the sidelines grinning from ear to ear. The atmosphere in the room at that moment was palpable, and it was great to see everyone enjoying a game that many of them had probably never played before. I was itching to join in myself, but unfortunately, I was on photography duty. There is always next time.
Fabulous feedback
Hearing how much fun the children had was what made it truly special. One boy said he did not want to go back to school yet and that he was going to be thinking about the day for the rest of the afternoon. He even proclaimed that “he will be back”, which just shows how much these games mean.
Handing Out the Thanks
A huge thank you to everyone at the Saracens Foundation, the volunteers, the schools, Graham Judge from Boccia UK, and NFL legend Lorn Mayers. It was amazing to hear what they had to say about working with Power2Inspire over the years and what I can look forward to as my journey with them continues. Another thank you to Trustees Stephan Peak and Mark Howard. It was great to gain more insight into John and the charity from people who have been part of it for so long.
Finally, thank you to John and Alex for allowing me to be part of this incredible journey. I am already looking forward to the next PowerHouseGames I can attend in Reading and to seeing Power2Inspire make it to my hometown.
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.
Huge thanks to Beth Hunt, Power2Inspire’s new Marketing and Communications Assistant, for joining us at the PowerHouseGames and for her photos and writing up this blog.
