It was lovely to return to St Ursula’s Catholic Primary School in Romford. We started with an assembly focusing on ‘Overcoming Barriers’, determination and values attributed to St Ursula: kindness, honesty, bravery and resilience.
The best question is still making me think:
“What was the hardest thing you have had to face?”
Is it learning to dress? eat? etc – the practical things. Or is it more emotional ones, such as why am I different? will I be able to work? I need to think further to come up with a suitable answer for Y5 9 year olds.
The year group was split into their two classes. St Teresa class, a lively bunch, thoroughly enjoyed all of sitting volleyball, boccia, goalball and new age kurling. If anything, they were so excited and enthusiastic, they took too long to listen to instructions and time slipped past and we missed out on sitting netball.
When I asked the class what they had learned, one young boy said, rather ruefully:
“to listen to our teacher!”
Others happily repeated
“I can’t do it…YET!”, “Never give up”, and “Practice makes progress”.
Many of the children expressed how valuable it was to be able to take part in inclusive sports where everyone is on an equal playing field. Another pupil noted that John had taught him life lessons that will stick with him forever and that teamwork and determination can lead to ‘progress’.
Class St Thomas, who came into the hall after lunch, were equally enthusiastic. I was amused when one pupil had a blindfold put back on by a teacher, the right way up, exclaimed,
“But I can’t see!”.
They added to the learning answers, that disabled people can play sports with anyone, teamwork, and kindness.
A big thanks to Ms Fatima Mahamed and Ms Caroline Hall for their support and help. We are hoping to persuade St Ursula’s to come to a PowerHouseGames in London soon, so they can experience the fun of playing inclusive sport with disabled children.
It was a lovely day and my hero, Paddington Bear – he has paws like me! – would have been so happy they champion kindness and honesty.
What are Games2Inspire?
Games2Inspire events are incredible events, most often hosted in schools, with an assembly and sports day which includes activities designed to be accessible and fun for everyone, with disabilities and none, sporty and not. Participants get to meet our inspirational founder, John Willis, and hear all about how John has overcome obstacles in his life. They then get to put that learning to practice by playing adapted games and sports together learning new skills and being encouraged to test their beliefs about ability and disability and what it is to be different, learning to respect other people’s differences. Power2Inspire works with them to challenge their assumptions of what they can and cannot do.
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
If you are interested in hosting a Games2Inspire in your school / college / company / community group 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.
Please note: Photos are from previous year’s games
