It was strange, delightful, rewarding and rejuvenating to return to London House, some 38 years after I had lived there, to deliver a PowerHouseGames. London House is now part of Goodenough College, a residential community for international postgraduate students studying in London.
I was one of the lucky ‘Brits’ to live there for three years as I trained to be a solicitor. I made lifelong friends there, so it has a special place in my heart.
Just over 40 residents and some Power2Inspire guests attended to turn the wonderful dining hall into a recreation room for the afternoon. Playing five inclusive games the 10 teams melded the nationalities, faiths, races, ages and abilities of the globe. We had South Africans playing with Indians, Canadians with Pakistanis, a real melting pot of the global community.
The enthusiasm was so great all the volunteers were early and into their stride quickly. Alex bonged the gong to start us all off, Director Alice welcomed us all, and Dean Alan kept us all under control with a benevolent smile. There was much debate as to which was the best sport.
New age kurling was popular, not just with the Canadians, with the competitive spirit in evidence as stones on the target were unceremoniously knocked off by later stones.
Boccia even attracted Alex into combat from his wheelchair but Orla flew the flag for the young person’s brigade.
Goalball induced squeals, laughter, cheating, brilliance and great communication as players battled with being blindfolded.
Sitting volleyball was the favourite of my old pal Martin, whom I met at the College when we were starting our legal careers. He explained – note to self – that the smaller beach balls were better as they seemed to go where they were hit, more than the larger ones which floated anywhere, including, rather impressively, onto a high window ledge.
Sitting netball, which I claim to have invented, was very popular but regarded as way the most tiring and also the one that brought out the real competitive side.
Thanks to Rohit and his family for supporting the event – I look forward to hosting a PowerHouseGames in their community soon. Also thanks to Neville, another old London House friend, Chris who had popped in to show his support, but above all to Lindsay, my wife for coming with me and getting stuck in.
I would also like to mention Patrick, Rosie, Thomas and Tess, residents who garnered support and helped make this inaugural version happen. And of course, to Dean Alan and Director Alice and Hannah, who defies a label, for commissioning these games. I really do hope we can return in the summer to deliver an even bigger version outdoors.
I left feeling a real glow: from bringing people together, from seeing families with disabled children get involved, but above all from seeing that Goodenough College is just as vibrant, young at heart and generous in spirit as it was. Keep up the good work guys and spread this wonderful ethos to the world.
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