Churchill Special School have been champions of Power2Inspire and PowerHouseGames for a few years now. When Kirsty Webb suggested we hold a PowerHouseGames for schools across the Trust (Churchill are a part of the Unity Trust schools), we were delighted. She then brought in Active Suffolk, who have been wonderfully encouraging.
Coming together for inclusive fun
Ross Myhill of Thomas Gainsborough School (TGS), Sudbury, was a marvellous host – providing the excellent sports hall, ideal for our games and space for snacks and a break. County High School, Bury St Edmunds, joined the party, with sports leaders from TGS and those with additional needs and a specially selected group from Churchill. In the end we had 10 teams of 5.
We played boccia, sitting volleyball, new age kurling, walking football, and goalball. All games had their champions, proving we have a nice range. We finished proceedings with a popular game of sitting netball.
Gauging the emotional temperature
Active Suffolk were keen to capture comments, feelings and any movement in emotion through the morning. We deployed the bean bag ‘thermometer’ – asking each pupil to place a bean bag on a smiley face depicting happy to sad – both before and after the games. The results are in! We were delighted to see so many people leaving the PowerHouseGames feeling very happy. Now, without ‘spinning’ the outcome, it was suggested to us that those who left suddenly feeling ‘very sad’ might have confused their genuine sadness that the event was over!
Thank you
A huge thank you to our brilliant volunteers, to Thomas Gainsborough School for hosting, to all the schools that came along and to the wonderful students who all participated so enthusiastically. We can’t wait for next time…
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.
