This was our second visit to Hillborough Junior School in Luton, after our first invitation last year. Hillborough is a link school for Power2Inspire with one of our brilliant trustees teaching at the school.
We managed to engage with 360 pupils through the day starting with an assembly. Here we talk through lessons to be learned from playing inclusive and adapted sports. I share my story of how I have had to overcome the difficulties of being born without fully formed arms and legs and the children get to ask whatever questions they like. One of the most memorable from Hillborough was:
Were you ever bullied?
To which I answered, “Yes!” And that it was bullying that led to me developing my “Paddington Stare” after my hero! It’s always very important to tell someone if you are being bullied, and to remember that it is not you that caused the bullying – it is always a reflection of the troubles that the bully is experiencing. It was such a rewarding session!
We played 8 sessions, each with 45 children! Beginning with Goalball, a blindfolded Paralympic game that teaches communications and trust. Next up was sitting volleyball. This uses a beach ball that allows children to get used to a ball coming at them with time to responds as well as teaching teamwork and positioning. Finally was new age kurling. This sport allows weaker members of the team to show their touch and is brilliant at including absolutely everyone.
It was such a brilliant day and we’re already looking forward to coming back next time. This is what the team said on X after the day:
Today we had an amazing assembly and sports session with @Power2InspireUK who taught us all about different Paralympic sports. The children loved working together and we learnt so much. What a wonderful inclusive day. Thank you for visiting us!
And linked to this brilliant session was the fact that we are marking a milestone this week.
With the fantastic PowerHouseGames at Roehampton University as well as the students at Hillborough Junior School, we are proud to say that
over the past 10 years our events and talks have ‘inspired’ over 70,000 children and adults.
Here’s to the next 30,000!!
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.
John Willis
Founder & Chief Ambassador, Power2Inspire