On Wednesday 21st May, the pitch at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium was alive with laughter, energy, and inclusion. Our fourth Leicester PowerHouseGames, hosted in collaboration with the Leicester Tigers Foundation and generously supported by Samworth Brothers, was nothing short of inspiring.
Being my second PowerHouseGames, I had high expectations. The first event I attended brought so much visible joy to everyone who participated, and this one was no different. The children on my team were hesitant at first, but after some encouragement from the amazing volunteers they started to realise everyone is entitled to fun at our events. Smiles grew on everyone’s faces as the morning went on. By the final game everyone was fully immersed in the fun, celebrating each other’s efforts and showing pride in what we’d achieved together.
Sport in its truest form
Across six stations, twelve mixed-ability teams rotated through a series of inclusive activities, including touch rugby, walking football, inclusive basketball and Kwik cricket.
These weren’t just games, they were moments of true inclusivity. Moments of laughter when a goalball missed by inches, of cheers when a tricky pass connected in touch rugby, of teamwork as students communicated, encouraged, and celebrated each other’s efforts.
Every participant brought their full selves to the pitch, and the result was an atmosphere that was warm, inclusive, and genuinely joyful.
Standing Ovation for Our Supporters
A very special thank you goes to Pete Lauder, Invictus Games silver medallist, who spoke on behalf of Power2Inspire. Pete’s words captured the heart of what this charity stands for. We are incredibly proud to have his support, and we are hopeful he will become one of our amazing ambassadors.
We are also so grateful to those who made this event possible:
- Karen Holdsworth and the team from Samworth Brothers. Not only for their sponsorship and snacks but for bringing such enthusiastic volunteers
- Sam Johnston, Liz Causon, Sam Swift, and the whole team from the Leicester Tigers Foundation, who co-led the event amazingly
- Leicester City FC Community Foundation, Leicester Riders Basketball, and Leicestershire County Cricket Club Community Foundation for running stations with patience and encouragement
- Jeremy Macklin, Chair of Power2Inspire, whose commitment to our mission continues to inspire.
- Our tireless volunteers Sam and Jo, whose efforts allowed the event to run smoothly
Beyond the Pitch
What makes a PowerHouseGames special to me isn’t just the inclusive sports, it’s everything in-between. Seeing students from all backgrounds connect over common ground they may not have ever had the chance to realise they had. Watching a child who was initially unsure of themselves beam with confidence after scoring a point. Feeling the buzz of inclusion not as a slogan, but as a lived experience.
These are the reasons we do this. To remind everyone that sport, when opened up and adapted with care, is one of the most powerful tools for connection we have.
Looking Ahead
As we pack up the equipment and reflect on the day, we’re filled with gratitude and excitement. Days like this prove that inclusive sport can be enjoyed by everyone.
If you’d like to help us run more events like this, either by volunteering, donating, or spreading the word, please get in touch. There’s always room on the team.
Together, let’s keep proving no one should be left on the bench.
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.
