There couldn’t be a more fitting way to round off the Oxford Young Sports Leaders Programme than with a PowerHouseGames.
Bringing together students from the six schools taking part in the Oxford Young Sports Leaders Programme alongside pupils from John Watson School, the event gave young people the opportunity to put months of learning into practice through inclusive sport. Held at the University of Oxford’s Iffley Road Sports Centre, it was a chance to see everything they had been working towards come together.
Throughout the morning, participants took part in a range of inclusive sports, including boccia, goalball, New Age Kurling, sitting volleyball and walking rugby. More importantly, they worked alongside people they hadn’t met before, encouraged one another and stepped outside their comfort zones.
As the morning went on, nervous introductions turned into conversations, teamwork and new friendships.
That’s exactly what stood out to Zoe Pugh, Sport and Community Engagement Officer at the University of Oxford:
“…it was wonderful to see them interacting, collaborating, and building new connections with peers from different schools.”
One of the highlights of the day was welcoming Miranda Loughry from Oxfordshire Goalball Club, who introduced participants to goalball and shared her passion for adaptive sport.
Miranda noticed the transformation in the students throughout the morning.
“I especially loved how the groups consisted of mixed ages and kids from different schools. I noticed how the kids started out a little nervous and reserved in the morning and became more confident as the day went on. The kids in the last few groups I worked with really seemed to have developed friendships with their peers and their team captains that will endure beyond the closing ceremony.”
Miranda also reflected on how the event challenged perceptions of adaptive sport.
“Adaptive sports exist so that everyone can play. The more people know about Goalball, the more people have the opportunity to build connections within the disabled community.”
That simple idea sits at the heart of every PowerHouseGames. Inclusive sport isn’t about changing the rules for a few people. It’s about creating opportunities where everyone can play together, learn from one another and discover what they’re capable of.
The PowerHouseGames was the perfect way to round off another successful Oxford Young Sports Leaders Programme. It celebrated everything the students had learned while showing that leadership isn’t just about organising activities or giving instructions. It’s about making sure everyone feels included and has the confidence to take part.
We would like to thank the University of Oxford, Zoe Pugh, Miranda Loughry and Oxfordshire Goalball Club, the participating schools and everyone who helped make the event such a success.
The event also highlighted the strength of our growing partnership with the University of Oxford. By combining the Oxford Young Sports Leaders Programme with the PowerHouseGames, we are helping more young people develop leadership skills while experiencing the value of inclusion in action. We look forward to continuing to build this partnership in the years ahead and creating even more opportunities for young people to experience inclusive sport together.
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.
