Alive with laughter
On Friday 14th November, the Cambridge University Sports Centre was alive with the sound of laughter, cheers, and the unmistakable energy that comes with an inclusive PowerHouseGames event. Teams of students, schoolchildren and volunteers from Illumina came together in the spirit of fun, camaraderie, and making sure everyone had the chance to shine, regardless of ability or experience.
Grateful for our partners at CUSC
A big shout out to the University Sports Centre, Ellis Maloney and his team. From taking the equipment from car to hall, to setting up the hall – sorting benches, curtains, and laying out the equipment – they ensure the morning goes smoothly. We truly appreciate their help and are truly grateful for the support the Centre gives as we have held 7 PowerHouseGames (PHG) this calendar year in the main hall.
Longstanding partners
This was the 4th PHG we have held with Fitzwilliam College. It was a true delight to have Bethany Haran, one of the co-founders of the first games, back as a participant. Thanks to Rhys and Toby for encouraging their fellow current students to give up a morning: from their smiles and enthusiastic comments after, they found it thoroughly worthwhile.
Invaluable Corporate support
Illumina are now “frequent flyers” and it was wonderful to invite back Christine Cook and her intrepid colleagues, who threw themselves into the fray, some rather literally! The Illumina Foundation’s financial support is invaluable, helping us to put on these Games and bring joy and laughter to so many young people.
Adaptable, fun and energetic
The carousel of games for this time was boccia, new age kurling, sitting volleyball, goalball, sitting netball and at Bethany’s request kwik cricket. While talking with some of the students over an excellent sandwich lunch in the centre’s café, they agreed that kwik cricket was a great choice as it is very adaptable, fun and energetic – I encourage the team leaders to make it as fast as the participants can play it!
Bringing local schools together
Five schools attended so some teams were made up 6 and some 7. It is always good to have Castle. This was their 27th PHG! In contrast it was Ridgeway’s 1st PHG. They loved it. Encouraged to attend by our friend Wendy Chantrell of Ivel Alley School, Ridgeway is a mixed school specialising in pupils with physical disabilities. One of the pupils was so enthusiastic, most of the college students pointed his enthusiasm out as being a key part of why they had enjoyed the morning. St Faith’s, CAST, and Landmark International were the other schools.
We adapted the timetable to cope with a later than planned start as the very bad weather – fortunately outside! – had caused a couple of schools to run late. The extra practice time meant the teams hit the games ‘running’ and there were cheers, clapping and shouts of encouragement from the off.
Small victories
There were some notable successes. A school refuser attended, which shows that a PHG has the power to inspire! There were tales of at least three pupils joining in reluctantly but then enthusiastically. Sadly, one pupil found it all rather overwhelming and had to leave but the school were pleased to have got him out of school at all. For a lot of disabled youngsters, who do not have opportunities to socialise and never leave the safety of school, the large, sports hall, can be very daunting. Attending is an invaluable life skill: learning to cope in the “outside world” is key to surviving our demanding world.
It's a team game!
Yet another successful PHG. They are built on volunteering: the students who give up a morning of study (should I be thankful or are they really giving up sleep?); the company staff; our trustees and volunteers such as Stephen Peak who buy the snacks, sort the t-shirts, medals and certificates, and pack my car with the kit. So I was humbled and thrilled when I received a public thank you from one of the smallest children at the end of the medal ceremony, bringing a much appreciated round of applause.
With five more PHGs planned before the end of the year, we are rapidly heading to our 100th PHG. When and where will this be? Watch for further news.
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
