2026 saw the third Cambridge University Athletics PowerHouseGames! Along with a number of volunteers from illumina, the sponsor of the event, and the University’s Hare and Hounds Club and Triathlon Club, the 98th PowerHouseGames brought excitement, laughter and, as per Power2Inspire’s Rule Number 1 – FUN all round!
A total of 28 volunteers from illumina and the university joined … ahem … Cambridge Regional College (Huntingdon Campus), Sawston Village College, The Perse, Castle Special School and Ridgeway – I know, quite a mouthful. But the more the merrier, and every disabled child included in sport is a huge success! After a briefing of the morning ahead at the bright and early time of 9am, the volunteers quickly got into action taking charge of teams of 6, playing inclusive sports against each other.
Onto the main event: inclusive sports. With a packed schedule of boccia, goalball, sitting netball, new age kurling, throwing events and kwik cricket, the sports hall was alive with teams in brightly coloured t-shirts playing against each other!
Some of the most popular games among the children were kwik cricket, sitting volleyball and new age kurling. It was during kwik cricket where I saw a moment encapsulating the spirit of Power2Inspire; a child from a special school helping out a child from a different special school by using a lighter, slower ball when bowling. A moment in which respect and inclusivity overcame their competitive urge to win.
Other highlights of mine came from our game of sitting volleyball. After having reeled puns off one after the other during our halfway break, one of the children, clearly in a competitive mood, went on to trash talk the other team (in a respectful way of course).
Also in the same game, struggling to play with the smaller, faster-moving ball, a beach ball was used, and repeatedly passed to some of our less able team members, all in the name of inclusivity.
The grand finale came as a huge 40-a-side game of sitting netball. With 4 balls in play at points, chaotic fun ensued, and with the bum-on-the-floor-at-all-times rule, I can assure you, as runners, the university students were out of their comfort zone!
With balls flying, trying to reach our designated wheelchair user “scorers” at each end of the court, the team spirit was alive. I’d like to claim that our team won, but amidst all the chaos and excitement, I’m not sure anybody could keep score!
The morning came to a close with the awards ceremony, leaving several children telling me that they’d love to come to another PowerHouseGames. I don’t think the morning can be summed up better than the way a volunteer from illumina put it:
“Community is felt in the moments where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities come together and truly see one another—not through disability or difference, but through shared joy and teamwork. By playing inclusive sport side by side, disabled children, volunteers, and participants build trust, confidence, and mutual respect, creating a warm sense of belonging where everyone feels valued. This shared experience strengthens community spirit by breaking down barriers and showing that connection, fun, and support are possible when everyone is included.”
What a morning! A big thanks to John Willis, illumina and everybody who helped organise it. I’m not sure who’s more excited for next year’s PowerHouseGames; the volunteers or the children!
John Bennett
Cambridge University Athletics Club
All photos used with permission.
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.
