I had been away when we held the first PowerHouseGames at Dean Close School in Cheltenham a year ago, so it was a particular pleasure for me to attend and see how the school had adapted the format. Our wonderful trustee and teacher at the school, Rebecca Condie, had pioneered the first version and it was so successful Katie Holder seamlessly took over while Becs was on maternity leave.
Again, it was a huge success. Y12s from Dean Close led the 12 teams, comprising other sports leaders and Y7s as well as two students from Belmont School, with special needs. The fun, enthusiasm and endeavour were everywhere. I just had one problem. It was so well organised by Ms Holder, and so ably staffed and led by the Y12s, that my two wonderful volunteers, Tom Roper and Darren Lunz had little to do! Fortunately, Archie Eaton, our ambassador and the No. 1 ranked boccia player in the UK, was gainfully employed, supervising the boccia with sympathy – some participants find the rules a tad hard to follow!
So, Tom took lots of photos and Darren and I were able to discuss his app – Hero – which will connect volunteers with charitable events. Power2Inspire is the first charity to sign up and we were trialling the software through Tom’s registration at this event. Watch out for more.
A big thank you to two Dean Close parents whose sponsorship allowed the PowerHouseGames to proceed with all the colourful t-shirts, so important in creating a bond between the teammates and in breaking down barriers.
With the sun shining (one of the rare days this year!) we were able to take the walking football (some of the students cannot resist running) outside, leaving touch rugby, goalball, boccia, new age kurling and sitting netball inside the beautiful sports hall.
Thank you Dean Close – it was a treat to return eight years after my 50:50:100 swim challenge and a talk to the Prep School 6 years ago. I look forward to returning next year.
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.
