A joyful PowerHouseGames!
Thanks to the Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge students for turning out in their droves – especially as a 9:00 am start could be seen by some as very early indeed. These 24 were joined by newcomers, Bottisham Village College, 5 volunteers from Illumina and a second appearance from Ivel Valley Special School, from Biggleswade.
We re-jigged the format to have 10 teams of five playing five games each: goalball, walking football, kwik cricket, boccia and new age kurling. It was a joy to see the teams develop through the morning. As one student said:
“It was lovely to see our two school pupils come out of their shell and grow in confidence.”
Thanks to Patrick Gosling and David Ellis for volunteering again – Patrick was particularly enthusiastic with the whistle as he controlled the timing of the rotation. Also it was lovely that Stephen Spencer, Tony Collett and Sylvia Rhodes popped in to observe what the fuss was all about and went away saying they would proselytise for us!
Chris Darling of Bottisham VC, brought a mix of pupils, some with additional needs and said:
“It was a fabulous event and, for the students that we had taking part, it was perfect. All of the students had a fantastic time and it was clear by their actions that they were gripped and could have continued for much longer – which is incredible.”
Fitzwilliam College chaplain, Graham Stevenson, was one of the participants:
“It was a great joy and enormous fun to join in with the Powerhouse Games as a volunteer and to be a part of inclusive sport in action. The games were perfectly designed to involve, entertain and engage everyone. We all left having been inspired, having made new friends and with big smiles on our faces. Thank you, John and the team at Power2Inspire, for showing us how great inclusive sport is.”
Corporate partners are vital to us as they allow us to create these fun events. Thank you to illumina for supporting this event and sending volunteers to help lead the teams. If your company would like to get involved, help the community, and provide worthwhile volunteering for your employees, please get in touch.
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.
