We were delighted to team-up with Digby Stuart College of Roehampton University and local primary schools, Burlington House and Sacred Heart Primary, as well as John Bosco College and Woldingham School, for an afternoon of fun and inclusive sports at our latest PowerHouseGames!
Here is what our Chief Ambassador and Founder had to say:
“It was an absolute pleasure to join Digby Stuart College and some fantastic schools for a really enjoyable PowerHouseGames.”
“Thank you so much – it was incredible!”
So said a student from Burlington House Special School, with an enormous grin. The 12 students had been made so welcome and included with such enthusiasm, it was impossible not to be swept along by the fun of the day.
Tom Roper, experienced volunteer, and PowerHouseGames veteran, declared it
“a roaring success!”
Digby Stuart College and the sports staff – hats off to the visionary Emerick Kaitell – had embraced the concept of inclusive sport. With Professor Francis Davis leading the way, ably supported by Sorrel Brown, following her induction into the world of PowerHouseGames at the VISA games last year, the college invited four schools to join the fun.
Ginny Jordan-Arthur, Captain at Digby Stuart College said:
“The day was great and glad to be able to be a part of it! It was all brilliant and the volunteers were a great group that you pulled together. I was hosting a different group of staff from Woldingham on the Friday, and they had already heard about the visit as their pupils returned to campus buzzing from the experience!”
Burlington House led the way, with Sacred Heart Primary School, John Bosco College and Woldingham School all enthusiastically getting stuck in. I managed to persuade Steve Ellis of FIS Global to bring his colleagues, which was really fantastic. They and the university sports students led the 12 teams with empathy, energy and encouragement.
In the smaller space – we proved we could hold a PowerHouseGames in a basketball-court sized hall – it was cosy, but the added noise created a happy, joyful atmosphere and ensured that Power2Inspire’s No. 1 Rule – “To have FUN!” – was definitely honoured.
To my surprise and pleasure polybat, a cross between table tennis without a net and air hockey, was truly popular. It fitted so well in the limited space, but with two tables and lots of cheers and squeals, promoted itself up the pecking order of possible games! Boccia, sitting netball, sitting volleyball, goalball and new age kurling all each had their champions, proving the mix works.
Shane Coghlan of Sacred Heart said:
“The children really enjoyed the day and that is not always the case with events like these. I think there was a very pleasant atmosphere at all times, it was very well organised, and time-keeping was excellent and, the schools involved worked very well together. I enjoyed it a lot too.”
Caroline Treacy reported that her students loved it, partly because they are not usually selected to represent the school. When asked if they should come again, they enthusiastically said yes, but one student insisted they – not next year’s Year 8s – come again!
The Roehampton students really shone, they were fabulous ambassadors for their university, embracing the Power2Inspire goals of inclusion, adapting the games and having fun.
Steve Ellis of FIS Global was delighted his team joined in so enthusiastically, explaining that it was so much more rewarding to be involved in such inclusive sports as part of their corporate volunteering than other options. He urged other companies to get involved too!
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 Ginny Jordan-Arthur of Roehampton University for her fantastic photography on the day. All photos used with permission
