We were thrilled to return to the University of Roehampton for another unforgettable PowerHouseGames! Taking place on Friday, 22nd November 2024, at the Roehampton Sports and Fitness Centre, this PowerHouseGames was even more exciting with the announcement of Blackstone—the world’s largest alternative asset manager—as our supporter. Their team’s support, alongside the wonderful Roehampton University and community volunteers, made the day one of our biggest turnouts yet!
This year we welcomed Burlington House, St John Bosco College, Woldingham School, and Sacred Heart Primary to play a variety of our inclusive sports including Boccia, sitting volleyball, sitting netball, Kwik Cricket, goalball, and new age kurling.
The day concluded with an epic, laughter-filled 30-a-side game of sitting netball that could only be described as “hilarious chaos”!
We were honoured to welcome two incredible athletes to the event: World Ironman Championship competitor Sam Holness and rower Sam Murray who won Silver in the Mixed Double Sculls at the Paris Paralympics.
Sam Holness, who spoke openly about his autism, inspired both children and adults alike by sharing his journey of overcoming barriers and being an Ironman. A particularly heartwarming moment came when a young student raised his hand and said,
“I have autism, I’m like you.”
The idea that he too could achieve greatness – possibly competing in a world championship event – was a poignant and powerful reminder of the transformative power of sport and inclusion.
Sam Murray spoke too about how he had been left on the bench and to have opportunities like a PowerHouseGames are so important.
Sam Holness
Sam Murray
A huge thank you goes to Marilyn Holness and Sorrell Brown from the University of Roehampton for their efforts in making the day such a resounding success. This was Digby Stuart College’s third time hosting the games, and yet again, their support was brilliant.
Marilyn and Sorrell reflected on the day and shared:
“We were delighted to welcome Power2Inspire and our partner schools back to the University of Roehampton for another incredible PowerHouseGames! We were once again blown away by the fantastic energy and enthusiasm in the room from all the children and volunteers. It is an absolute joy for us to see the teams forging new friendships and having fun together through inclusive sport. A particular highlight of this year was the game of 30-a-side sitting netball at the very end – it was hilarious chaos! Our special thanks go to John & Alex, the student and external volunteers, our special guests Sam Murray and Sam Holness, and Blackstone for sponsoring the games and allowing Power2Inspire’s incredible work to continue. We already can’t wait until the next PowerHouseGames in 2025!”
It’s always a joy to see students forging new friendships and having fun together through inclusive sport. This year’s games truly embodied the spirit of inclusion and community. John Willis even described the day as
“arguably one of the BEST YET!”
and I couldn’t agree more.
The bar has been set high for 2025, but we are absolutely up for the challenge! We look forward to our final PowerHouseGames of the year – bringing our total for 2024 to an incredible 23 events!
Here’s to setting the stage for an even bigger and better 2025!
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.
