What a difference PowerHouseGames make in so many ways!
“The positive difference in all the students from the beginning of the games to the end, was so marked,”
enthused Keith Dawes, head of pastoral care at Littlegarth School. His school joined Duxford Primary and Churchill Special Free School at the second Lucy Cavendish College PowerHouseGames on Wednesday 18th January.
Lucy Cavendish brought a mix of students and staff and all had fun, though Jane Greatorex, senior tutor, admitted the sitting volleyball was surprisingly tiring!
The College sees the half day inclusive session of different inclusive games as vital to bring balance to their students’ lives and to aid their mental welfare. Getting the students out of their rooms and away from their intense study is as vital as having a glimpse of ‘normality’ for others, and how they cope with the pressures of everyday life.
Kirsty Webb, teacher at Churchill School, said,
“Thank you so much for having us. The students had the best time and couldn’t wait to share their day when we got back. They all had a brilliant time and it really exceeded their expectations… in a great way!”
Judging by the cheers, laughter, thumbs up and smiles from these first-timers, they will be back for more. Walking football was particularly popular, but so was new age kurling and sitting netball. Goalball challenges all participants as few are comfortable being blindfolded, and yet there are many champions of this exciting Paralympic sport.
Maria Dias, the Welfare and Wellbeing Advisor and Bye Fellow at Lucy Cavendish said,
“Thank YOU for a second fantastic Games! It was an absolute pleasure to be able to join you this time round and see the Games magic at work first hand!”
The College students have been tasked with fundraising in each of their sports clubs for Power2Inspire with the added incentive that the College will match some of the funds they raise. I do so hope one of the clubs chooses to make and sell pancakes – my favourite idea for fundraising!
Here is what a couple of the Lucy Cavendish students had to say about the day. First Luke:
“I decided to take part in this year’s PowerHouseGames because it’s so important to have young people, staff, and students from many different backgrounds coming together in an inclusive sport environment, getting out there, making new friends, and also being active”
and Ell:
“I have come along today to help out at the PowerHouseGames with other Lucy Cavendish staff and students because inclusivity is one of the College’s core values, and to see that being implemented in sports is something really important. It has been a really rewarding day as we got to try new sports with students of all different abilities”
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.
With special thanks to Paul Sanwell of OP Photography for his fantastic photography on the day. All photos used with permission
