For the second year in a row, the PowerHouseGames returned to the famous Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium to deliver a fun day of accessible and inclusive sports to a group of local schools, with the support of Leicester Tigers Foundation.
Last year, Leicester Tigers became the first major sports club to partner with Power2Inspire to host our signature event, which encourages people from different backgrounds and of different abilities to work together to learn new skills and have fun.
The second, equally successful, PowerHouseGames featured guest appearances from Leicester Tigers senior academy members Morgan Meredith and Joshua Manz and Women’s team players Bryany Chalk, Zoë Evans, Abi Gordon and Ofure Ugiagbe alongside students from Birchwood School, Two Rivers School, Lady Byron School, The Haven School, Robert Smyth Academy and SMB College Group (Brooksby) to participate in a range of inclusive sports.
There was also support provided from Leicester City and Leicestershire CCC, ensuring representation from across the local sporting community.
Players and students took part in a mix of inclusive games spread across six rounds including Goalball, Sitting Volleyball, Touch Rugby, an Obstacle Activity, Kwik Cricket and Walking Football.
Sam Swift, Leicester Tigers Foundation Manager said:
“The Leicester Tigers Foundation are really proud to be able to once again welcome the team from Power2Inspire for the inspirational Powerhouse games. It has been a very special day at the MWWR stadium, seeing a collection of participants from a broad range of diversities, collectively enjoying sport and wellbeing in unison.”
John Willis, Founder, and Chief Ambassador, said:
“It shows there’s real life in Powerhouse Games and people want to be involved again and again. And what an iconic stadium to be at! The attitudes of everyone have been fantastic: rule number one at Power2Inspire is to have fun and that’s been the case today – lots of smiles, lots of laughter and great celebrations across all the different sports.
“I was born without fully formed arms and legs and when I was little I was often just left on the bench: our overarching mantra now is ‘no one left on the bench’. This is all about getting everybody involved in sport, to have fun and it’s just wonderful to see people playing, having fun, helping each other and supporting one another.
“Last year we were able to run 11 Powerhouse Games and this year we’re aiming for 22 so we’re really growing and are delighted for the support.”
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.