What a day to remember! The fourth PowerHouseGames at the Roehampton Sports & Fitness Centre saw four schools come together with University of Roehampton volunteers to make yet another successful PowerHouseGames.
Ten groups, each with 4-5 pupils from every school and supported by enthusiastic University of Roehampton volunteers, rotated through a carousel of inclusive and exciting games – boccia, new age kurling, sitting volleyball, goalball, walking football, and saving the best for last, a chaotic, laughter-filled game of sitting netball with all participants joining in!
Sam Holness
A massive thank you to all who made the day a success! Thank you to staff and children from the schools: Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, St John Bosco College, Woldingham School, and College Park School. A shout-out to the friendly staff at Roehampton Sports & Fitness Centre for hosting us once again. A special thanks goes to Zak from UCFB and Graham from Boccia England for their expertise and encouragement, and to Sam – an inspiring triathlete and Guinness World Record holder for becoming the first triathlete with autism to compete at the Ironman World Championships!
This was my second time volunteering at the PowerHouseGames, the first being in September at Hyde Park, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of the Games again this December. With my first degree in Sports and Exercise Sciences and having a brother with autism and complex learning difficulties, the PowerHouseGames are something very close to my heart. I strongly resonate with Power2Inspire’s vision:
“a world where no one is left on the bench.”
What I personally love about the PowerHouseGames is the friendships that are formed in such a short amount of time. Without prompting from me, the pupils in my group were not only supportive and encouraging of one another during the different games, but also showed great sportsmanship by cheering on pupils from other groups.
The highlight of the day for me was seeing the sheer joy of one pupil in my group, Amir, from College Park, a school for pupils with autism and complex needs. Amir was initially supported by a member of staff, who soon stepped back and allowed him to take part independently. The other pupils in our group were incredibly encouraging, making sure Amir had his turn in every game.
As the day progressed, Amir became more excited and involved, and his laughter was contagious. It was wonderful to see his confidence grow. A member of school staff commented that it was the most excited and engaged they had seen Amir in a long time, which truly highlighted how impactful the PowerHouseGames can be for all pupils!
It wasn’t just me who saw how impactful the PowerHouseGames were. Another volunteer, Helena, also shared her experience:
“One of my highlights of the day was when two of the pupils gave me high fives at the end of the session. One of them told me that this was the best school trip they had ever been on.”
I am proud of and thankful to all the volunteers from the University of Roehampton who helped make the day a success.
Thank you to John Willis and the Power2Inspire team for making the PowerHouse Games happen and for letting us be a part of it. I look forward to the next one!
Sarah Atkinson
Digby Stuart College Engagement Administrative Officer
University of Roehampton
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.
