Brand New Iconic Venue
Thanks to the Blackstone Charitable Foundation and a wonderful group of employees we were able to hold our first ever PowerHouseGames in Hyde Park, London on Friday 19th September 2025.
Graced with the best weather of September, a gloriously sunny, blue sky and hot autumn day, we made the most of the former football pitches the authorities hire out, pictured here under the P2I logo
Old Friends & New
Joining the Blackstone volunteers were a group of 15 from Roehampton University, a mix of staff and students from Digby Stuart College. Four schools came – Centre Academy (a special needs independent school), College Park (maintained special needs school), Plashet School (state secondary), and Burlington House (independent school focussing on dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other specific learning differences).
The twelve teams of mostly 6 really got stuck into the 6 games: walking touch rugby, walking football, kwik cricket, boccia, sitting volleyball and goalball. The location, the sunshine and the enthusiasm of the students made these, a memorable games.
A Team Effort
A huge thank you to volunteer Lois Gosling, a frequent attendee of PowerHouseGames in London. She did say it was a local game as she lives close by and is studying at Imperial College. We hope to engage Imperial College with a Games.
I would also like to thank Professor Marilyn Holness, the Head of Digby Stuart College, Roehampton University. Not only did she encourage her staff and students to attend, she also helped massively behind the scenes – those unseen tasks of sorting the t-shirts, the snacks, and the medals and certificates – as well as encouraging all the participants.
Although the venue provided a lovely backdrop, and there was plenty of hooping and hollering celebrating great shots and goals with the sun making it a very special day, I agree with Jonathan Chambers, Vice President of Blackstone Charitable Foundation who said:
“An indoors venue creates a more vibrant atmosphere.”
More To Come
The teachers were universally enthusiastic, saying what a wonderful day it was, so inclusive, such fun, and so different from any other opportunities.
Marilyn, a great fan, is so keen she wants to host two PowerHouseGames this academic year, one at the University for local schools, and one in Croydon, for pupils’ from schools around Roehampton’s Croydon University Centre, which would double their usual number.
It shows the demand. And it is thanks to Blackstone and our other corporate supporters that we can carry on with this growth. If you know of a company that would love their employees to have a truly impactful experience when volunteering, please put them in touch.
The Volunteer Difference
As Nic Dupuis (Managing Director, Blackstone Group) put it:
“You could see the kids were delighted at the end of the day and some of them built such strong bonds it was heart-warming to see.”
Corporate volunteers make that happen!
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.
