After the success of our inaugural PowerHouseGames last year, we were delighted to announce a follow-up PowerHouseGames with the Independent Schools Association (ISA), which we hosted on the 18th of June 2024. The turnout and energy on the day were amazing… Let’s dive right into the action!
This PowerHouseGames was supported and funded by the ISA, who were pivotal in making this event a reality. With Leighton Park School generously hosting, we had an unforgettable day of sportsmanship and camaraderie with the following line-up of schools:
- Leighton Park
- WEMMS
- LVS Ascot
- St Mary's Gerrards Cross
- St James Boys
- Moon Hall
- Addington
Last year’s event featured eight teams, so seeing the participation double this year to 16 teams – two from each school – was fantastic. The sports leaders from Year 12 and Year 10 at Leighton Park were exceptional. They embraced the concept of inclusivity wholeheartedly, assisting and encouraging their teammates with and without disabilities. Their leadership skills were put to the test as they each joined one of the teams, but they certainly passed with flying colors!
We had two Boccia pitches, two sitting volleyball courts, two goalball set-ups, and two walking football sections! With eight games happening simultaneously, the energy across the school was brilliant.
The teams were divided into four groups of four, competing fiercely in a round-robin format. Each team played three games of each rotation, and it’s safe to say the competition was intense!
One of the standout moments was watching Addington Team 2, excel beyond some of the students’ initial expectations. Despite some team members having significant physical disabilities, they made it to the top playoff group! Their Boccia playoff game was nail-bitingly close and everyone watched tentatively. One of the sports leaders shared:
“It was great learning for us in terms of leadership, being a captain from within the team was great, not just coaching from outside the team.”
After speaking with an ISA representative at the end, it was clear they were thrilled with the event’s growth and engagement. The feedback from participants and spectators alike was overwhelmingly positive!
A big thank you goes out to Emily Ward, the national sports officer at the ISA, and Neave Wilson, the national sports coordinator at the ISA. Their support has been invaluable.
A special shout-out also goes to Simon Bradbury from Leighton Park, whose organisation and dedication were instrumental to the event’s success. It was also great to see Simon’s reaction when he received a T-shirt! I think this could have been the most exciting part of the day for him.
The winning team, St James’s Boys Team 2, clinched victory in a dramatic finish. The last Boccia ball decided the winner, showing that inclusive sports can be incredibly competitive and evoke intense spirits among players and crowds.
The ISA PowerhouseGames was another phenomenal success.
Thank you, everyone, for making this day so special.
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.
