We were delighted to facilitate this year’s Granta Park PowerHouseGames with illumina. The event took place on Thursday, July 11th, 2024, at the amazing Granta Park, Cambridge.
This was our first corporate-only version of PowerHouseGames and an essential step to introducing Power2Inspire to the business community. On the day Illumina and Sphere provided two teams, while Bidwells and Nuffield provided one team. So, we had six fantastic teams competing!
We were also lucky to have Rob Richardson, former GB sitting volleyball team captain, playing. His expertise and visible demonstration that disabled people can play alongside non-disabled players embodied our mission. By showcasing this inclusion in action to potential new corporate partners, we hope to encourage them to join our university PowerHouseGames in future and lead teams that include students from local special needs schools.
We competitively played goalball and sitting volleyball throughout the evening, with a trophy at stake. The Pink Team caught my eye for the joy they displayed. Many of their members seemed surprised at being able to compete in sports and to have such fun doing so. Their laughter and smiles were infectious. In the end, the Bidwells team took home the trophy – very well deserved!
My hope is that this becomes an annual event, attracting more companies and participants of different abilities. I know many of the participants have brought their joyous experience back to their colleagues, encouraging them to volunteer with Power2Inspire in PowerHouseGames, fundraising, and partnering with us. Ideally, other business parks will hear about the fun and want to host their own events!
A personal thank you to Hollie Church for believing in our cause, promoting it to your Illumina colleagues, and participating in our events!
Becca O’Keefe from Bidwells helped organise the event, so a huge shoutout to her as well! Becca also shared wonderful feedback with us, where she said
“The event was a huge success, and we thank John and the team for bringing the PowerHouseGames to Granta Park. Everyone had a fantastic time, and it is definitely something we will be adding to our summer of sports calendar here every year to ensure they are as inclusive as possible. Thank you again to Power2Inspire for introducing us to these fantastic games.”
The event concluded with a barbecue, and everyone received medals and certificates. It was a tremendous success, and I look forward to repeating it again soon!
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
