The 96th PowerHouseGames brought energy, teamwork and fully inclusive sport to the University of Warwick, with 68 participants from Cardinal Newman, Arnold Lodge, and Avon Park, coming together for a day built around one simple motto: nobody left on the bench.
Jade Woodward, Active Programme Manager at Warwick Sport, said:
“At Warwick Sport, we believe physical activity should be accessible to everyone. The PowerHouseGames shows how simple adaptations can make sport fully inclusive without losing any of the excitement.
“Seeing students support one another, build confidence and try new activities is exactly why we are proud to deliver this event.”
The day featured a carousel of inclusive sports including boccia, kurling, seated volleyball, goalball, walking football, and kwik cricket, which made its debut this year. It concluded with a huge, seated netball game, which started with one ball and ended with three flying across the court – a highlight that captured the fun and collaborative spirit of the day.
The event was supported by University staff, student volunteers, and the team from Warwick Sport. Warwick Sport Scholars were also on hand to present medals and certificates to every participant, celebrating their commitment and teamwork.
John Willis, Founder and Chief Ambassador of Power2Inspire, said:
“The PowerHouseGames shows what’s possible when schools, universities and communities work together to put inclusion first. To see participants fully engaged, adapting, communicating and celebrating each other’s success is exactly what the Games were created to achieve.”
Andrew Todd, Director of Regional Strategy and Partnerships at the University of Warwick, said:
“It is always fantastic to see the power of sport in bringing together teams of pupils from different schools and backgrounds. This is now the fourth time the University has hosted the PowerHouseGames and it continues to grow and develop with new sports such as boccia and cricket being added this year.
“We were really pleased to include staff and student volunteers who fully embraced the wonderful spirit of the games again.”
As the 96th edition closes, the PowerHouseGames continues to demonstrate that inclusive sport has the power to bring people together – and Warwick looks forward to welcoming the Games back for a fifth time in 2027.
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.
