Our third trip to the fabulous Sports and Wellness Hub at the University of Warwick to host a PowerHouseGames happened on Thursday 27th February 2025 – and it was the best so far!
The University Campus and Commercial Services Group Finance team threw themselves into the fun with gusto; the student volunteers were simply magnificent: energetic, enthusiastic, motivating and encouraging – true ambassadors for the university. Avon Park (special needs and autism) school were returners and very keen to enjoy the fun again. Arnold Lodge, an independent school, came for the first time with children with some additional needs. It was wonderful that they should be selected to represent their school, as this cohort so often miss out. And Ormiston Shelfield, a second SEN school, had come from all the way from Walsall.
It was a joyous morning of inclusive sports. Boccia, new age kurling, sitting volleyball, walking football, goalball and sitting netball were all enjoyed before a mad, chaotic, laughter-filled game of sitting netball with everyone playing. The blues and greens took on the other colours, and to make it inclusive, we allowed one player from each team to be the ‘goal attacker’ – the perfect way for a wheelchair user to be involved.
The teachers comments were heartwarming:
“Those two children are always together, and I was worried that they would not cope being split up. But they are thriving, smiling and being engaged more than I have ever seen.”
“I have never seen those two boys engage as much ever.”
“I cannot remember the last time I saw [that pupil] smile and this morning, he hasn’t stopped smiling.”
Andrew Todd, Director of Regional Strategy and Partnerships at The University of Warwick, said:
“It was great to host our third PowerHouseGames and fantastic to see the power of sport in bringing together teams of pupils from different schools and backgrounds and the fun that they had. This year we were really pleased to include Warwick volunteers from our Campus and Commercial Services Group’s finance team, who really entered into the wonderful spirit of the games”
Mark Hyndman, Director of Sport and Active Lifestyles at Warwick Sport, said:
“This year’s instalment of the PowerHouseGames provided an opportunity for us to strengthen our partnership with Power2Inspire, and continue playing our part in hosting events that celebrate accessibility, inclusivity and diversity at our Sports and Wellness Hub at the University of Warwick. Local schools, our staff networks and the student community enjoyed a day full of fun – centred around an inspiring and meaningful purpose to encourage participation in sport and active lifestyles for all, regardless of ability levels or background.”
Thank you!
Thanks to Iain Mckinney, Head of Sports Delivery at Warwick, and particularly, his team, Jade Woodward and Georgina Pilling at the sharp end – for helping to recruit the students and schools and organising the hall.
A big thank you to Andrew Todd who kindly opened the Games and, along with Becky Easterbrook, Regional Partnerships Manager, closed the Games. I was delighted Jade and Georgie joined Andrew and Rebecca to hand out medals and certificates – everyone is a winner at a PowerHouseGames and “No one is left on the bench!”
The students and finance team participants described on video their experience in one word, as Fun, Energising, Teamwork, Awesome, and from two wheelchair users – Included!
Here’s to the Fourth Warwick PowerHouseGames next year!
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.
All photos used with permission.
