We’ve run Games2Inspire at St Faith’s five times now, and each visit feels more familiar. There’s a rhythm to the day, but it never feels the same. This time, we started with an assembly for a group of Year 6, 7 and 8 pupils. They were curious, respectful and seemed to understand what we were trying to do: learning the growth mindset in practical situations.
After the talk, we spent the morning teaching them five games: boccia, new age kurling, sitting volleyball, sitting netball and goalball. Boccia and goalball took place outside while the rest were indoors. They picked everything up quickly and were ready for the afternoon’s challenge: the arrival of 80 Year 5s. Once we explained the purpose behind the games – to include everyone, to ensure “No one left on the bench!” – they weren’t just taking part, they were ready to lead, to ensure everyone felt welcome and included.
After training we had a boccia tournament. Ten teams, five games going on at once, and a lot of excitement. Tony Collett, who has supported us for a long time, helped with scoring. At first it felt light-hearted, but once they realised there was a trophy on the table, the energy changed. The all-girl team that called themselves “PEE” won. Watching the three girls lift the trophy with proper pride was a great way to finish the session.
St Faith’s has been a great supporter of Power2Inspire for a number of years now. We’re especially grateful to Charmaine Switsur and Nick Thompson for their continued personal support on the day and for the generous donation the school gave us last year, organised by Mike Critchley. This support helps us put on inclusive sports days at Cambridge University, that brings special needs schools to play with students from independent and state schools.
St. Faith’s Sports Day 2025
What are Games2Inspire?
Games2Inspire events are incredible events, most often hosted in schools, with an assembly and sports day which includes activities designed to be accessible and fun for everyone, with disabilities and none, sporty and not. Participants get to meet our inspirational founder, John Willis, and hear all about how John has overcome obstacles in his life. They then get to put that learning to practice by playing adapted games and sports together learning new skills and being encouraged to test their beliefs about ability and disability and what it is to be different, learning to respect other people’s differences. Power2Inspire works with them to challenge their assumptions of what they can and cannot do.
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
If you are interested in hosting a Games2Inspire in your school / college / company / community group 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.
