On Monday, 20th January we were thrilled to host our first PowerHouseGames of 2025! We returned to the University of Cambridge Sports Centre, where volunteers from the Cambridge University Cricket Club (CUCC) helped us in producing another amazing Games.
Four local schools, CAST, Castle School, Littlegarth and Landmark International, joined us to bring lots of fun and laughter that filled the sports hall. The energy brought by the students marked a great start to 2025 that we hope continues just like this. The students participated in a mix of games, including Boccia, New Age Kurling, Kwik Cricket, Sitting Volleyball and a big game of Sitting Netball with three different balls at the end that everyone got involved in and had fun.
As a new intern at Power2Inspire, this was the first PowerHouseGames I attended. Before I arrived, I did not know exactly what to expect and was a bit anxious about the event. However, the fun of the games was completely contagious. Some students on my team were also a bit quiet and hesitant to get involved at the start, but once they saw how much fun it was to get involved and play the games, they all started to join in and by the end they were all laughing with each other. But as well as this, they were all interacting with each other more, asking which games were their favourites and whether they had fun. It was clear the PowerHouseGames had helped in forming some real bonds between the students. The fun and laughter also spread to myself and the other volunteers which really showed me that the model and format of the PowerHouseGames ensure that everyone involved has fun.
Hannah Lally, the headteacher at CAST School shared their thoughts on the event:
“I first met John when I was 18 at Sixth Form during an assembly he gave. That summer, I had the opportunity to volunteer with Power2Inspire, and now, years later, I’m a teacher taking my own students to these fantastic events. The atmosphere was full of energy and excitement, it was inspiring to see such sportsmanship and teamwork from participants of all ages. The event was not only a celebration of athleticism but also of community spirit and inclusivity. The volunteers and organisers deserve a huge round of applause for creating such a fun and welcoming environment. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and I’m already looking forward to the next one. Thank you, John and your team, for making this such a memorable and positive event for all involved.”
Carin Svensen, a volunteer at the event expressed:
“I think it was a brilliant event! It was so nice to see how the students interacted and worked together during the different sports.”
The whole event was well organised, and it was great to experience the format of the games I had only read about previously – it was particularly amazing to see how adaptable the rules to each of the games were. This meant that if any of the students weren’t enjoying the games or felt like they couldn’t get involved fully, a quick rule change solved the problem straight away.
Attending the PowerHouseGames definitely gave me a new perspective. People who see disability as a barrier to participation – in sports or any other area – are completely and totally wrong. The day made me realise that the real obstacle lies in the rules and norms we’ve created around these activities. These can and should be adapted to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate and have fun, making sure no one is left on the bench!
A special thank you goes to all the volunteers at CUCC and Carin, who all took to their roles as team captains amazingly. I had a great time at my first PowerHouseGames, and I’m very excited by what 2025 brings us at Power2Inspire!
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.
All photos used with permission.
