We had a wonderful time working with John Willis to kick off spring and warm us all up for the summer season!
The PowerHouseGames for the Cambridge University Cricket Club was held at the Leys Sports Centre where we wrangled 18 university students to face the shockingly early start of a 9:00am! (I rarely get up before midday, so this is a huge achievement personally!)
We were joined by Castle Special School, a group with additional needs, and a group of boys from The Leys School. In total, the 42 participants were shown to have a wonderful time working together to have fun!
The cricket team had so much fun helping the children of Castle Special School to get involved in ways they never expected. Stand outs included finding work arounds for a teammate to participate in new age kurling, where they could sit on the ground and push it – as they struggled standing.
I also enjoyed helping my teammate to play goalball without all the sensory discomforts of the eye mask. We had an especially fun time playing Kwik cricket, teaching the kids how to hold the bat, and seeing how far they could hit it (further than me is the answer!).
We were all so impressed with our teammates and had a great (albeit competitive) time trying to beat each other in the games.
The highlight of the day was (obviously) the huge game of sitting netball played in teams of 20 at the end. In my three years participating in the PowerHouseGames, this event has never ceased to be beautifully chaotic for all teams to enjoy. Seeing everyone work out their own bum-shuffling tactics never ceases to amuse me, and seeing how the children work together as a team is so exciting to see.
It was hilarious and impressive seeing one child roll over backwards to take the all-important catch that led to their team scoring a goal against my own. While I was dismayed not to win the game, it was utterly joyful to be able to play with such wonderful teammates from both Castle Special School and The Leys School.
Arjun Rajkumar of CUCC says:
“It was amazing to see so many kids all getting involved in the various sports, and incredibly rewarding to see the smiles on their faces. It is so important to ensure that everyone has access to inclusive sport, and these PowerHouseGames were a very fun way to do so, for kids and volunteers alike.”
Mara Smith of CUCC says:
“A very fun morning was had by all who attended the games. It was great to see everybody coming together to take part in the inclusive sports. Can’t wait for next year!”
A big thanks to every student at the Cambridge University Cricket Club who braved the early morning. But an even bigger thank you should go to John Willis and Alex Laybourne at Power2Inspire, Clare Laidler and Kevin Martin at Castle Special School, and Stephen Peak and Ben Elston from The Leys School.
We had such a wonderful time returning for our 6th year with the Power2Inspire team, and hope that we can return next year.
Charlotte Payne
Cambridge University Cricket 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.
