The Perse PowerHouseGames 2022
PowerHouseGames at the Perse just gets better every year!
This was the fourth full PowerHouseGames day at the Perse, as I do not count the virtual games in Covid. The way it has developed has continually improved it – to the point that Emma Kenzie, geography teacher and Charities Coordinator, has taken it to near perfection. But we are not resting on our laurels – we look to improve every year.
The day focuses on Year 8. They receive an assembly on Overcoming Barriers, and then five sessions of inclusive sports and an inclusive kilometre. The students pair up and both complete the kilometre in turn, either blindfolded or guiding their partner. The inclusive sports are usually boccia, new age kurling, goalball, sitting volleyball and sitting netball, all different examples as to how disabled people can play sports.
I was thrilled that Jennifer Crompton, the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire and her husband, John, an Old Persean, were able to join us for the first round of activities.
Emma (possibly ambitiously) invited the students to ask any question they liked when they came through Sitting Netball, the game I was supervising. One young bright spark challenged me to choose in regard to pizzas – pineapple, yes or no? I said yes, and was shocked how many of the group physically recoiled!! Fun question and intriguing responses. I was also surprised that most of the students admitted that they had not previously met a disabled person – another benefit of these days, as they learn more about difference.
It was lovely to get back to normality and witness the value of learning about inclusion, disability, fun sports and teamwork. And the partnership with the Perse is so valuable to us as the students raised nearly £1,200 from the sponsored Inclusive Kilometre – thank you! And thank you to the brilliant sixth form helpers who helped put on a fantastic PowerHouseGames at the Perse!
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.
