With the successful return of the SuperSensory 1K in 2023, the air was buzzing with excitement and anticipation. This inclusive event saw 55 participants of all ages and abilities walking, running, or wheeling around a one-kilometre course, while delighting in the sensory stations representing the five senses dotted along the way. Here’s a snapshot of this unforgettable day.
Our journey begins with the Smell tent, thoughtfully managed by Mahesh and Heidi, which welcomed participants with a variety of intriguing scents to discover. From the aroma of fragrant flowers to the mystery of exotic spices, this station stimulated curiosity and brought smiles to the faces of those who dropped by. Heidi remembers:
“There are lots of lovely memories from the day. We had set up some fresh herbs and spices without their labels, and it was nice to see some surprised looks as people guessed the cardamom, fennel, and ginger.
The roses were another favourite, one of my personal highlights was the wheelchair user who took one in her hair, and looked (and smelled) lovely as she made her way around the tents.
Overall, a wonderful day with Power2Inspire, and I look forward to getting involved again!”
Next, the Sight tent, run by Tom, Sara, and Lindsey, offered a feast for the eyes. Participants were captivated by a wacky mirror and the enchanting sight of floating bubbles. A special moment was watching a young girl’s face light up as she watched her reflection twist and turn in the mirror, and another girl giggling with joy as she tried to catch the elusive bubbles.
The Touch tent, hosted by the enthusiastic Williams family, provided an array of textures for exploration. The family shared their experience:
“It was Rosie’s first SuperSensory 1K as a Power2Inspire ambassador and our first time volunteering at a Power2Inspire event, and I’m sure it won’t be our last. We were manning the touch station, and it was a pleasure to observe the joy and interact with people of all ages and abilities that stopped at our station. It was truly a ‘super’ SuperSensory 1K and a super way to spend the bank holiday.”
The journey of the senses continued with the Hearing tent, joyfully managed by the Laybourne family—Nikki, Alex, and their daughter Esme. Participants revelled in the variety of sounds and music, creating a lively atmosphere that invited everyone to join in. Nikki shared,
“It was a super event to be involved in and great to see the delight that playing the musical instruments and making as much noise as possible created. One highlight was the care home residents getting great joy out of playing the maracas.”
Finally, the Taste tent, run by David Ellis and Jeremy Macklin with the assistance of Colin and Steve, offered an eclectic mix of flavours for participants to enjoy. From sweet treats to savoury bites, everyone found something that delighted their taste buds.
What makes the SuperSensory 1K truly special are the individual stories from the day that remind us of why we host this event. The Touch tent, managed by the Williams family, became a hub of creativity and exploration, and the family were kind enough to share some touching moments that stood out to them.
There was Fred, a young boy whose imagination ran wild as he played with the putty and sand at their station. He spent a good 20 minutes engrossed in creating robots and cakes, his concentration a testament to the immersive nature of the experience.
Then there was the parent of a child who fell in love with the putty to the point where she wanted to recreate this sensory adventure at home. The mother was so taken by her child’s engagement that she asked to take a picture of the putty box to find the same one for their home.
This year’s SuperSensory 1K was a beautiful demonstration of inclusivity and sensory exploration. A heartfelt thanks to the Friends of Histon and Impington Rec, our generous sponsors, and dedicated volunteers for their invaluable contributions. We can’t wait to see you all again on Bank Holiday Monday in 2024 for the next SuperSensory 1K!
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
If you would like to support us in our mission to “embed inclusive sport in the sporting, education and community landscapes” then we would love to hear from you. We are always looking out for people willing to fundraise for Power2Inspire through their own inspiring means. Or, you could volunteer at one of our events, or you could give to the ongoing work of Power2Inspire. Click the button here to find out more.
With special thanks to Tony Barr at Alban Images for his incredible photography on the day. All photos used with permission
