The Shelford SuperSensory Inclusive Kilometre (SS1K) took place on Sunday, 29th September 2024 at Shelford Recreation Ground just outside Cambridge — and what a wonderful morning it was! It was all part of the Shelford 5K Fun Run event.
This year’s SS1K was sponsored by Illumina, and we are deeply grateful for their partnership and contribution in helping us continue to bring inclusive sports into communities.
As with all SS1Ks, the route featured five sensory stations, each designed to stimulate one of the five senses: smell, sight, touch, hearing, and taste. These stations are designed to be accessible for disabled participants, who often find innovative ways to engage with the activities.
Maya Hodgson, a volunteer and Cambridge University alumna, shared her experience:
“I had a wonderful time volunteering with Power2Inspire at the Shelford SuperSensory1K. Seeing the joy and pride on the children’s faces when they completed the course was very special. I loved that each child had a different favorite sense station—although unsurprisingly, taste came out on top!”
For families with both disabled and non-disabled children, the SS1K is often one of the first events they can attend and enjoy together! It is always brilliant to see the joy felt amongst these families, volunteers, and community members. Karine Verquin, from Illumina, shared,
“I loved being involved in this event. We prepared a couple of sensory boards and collected various items from nature, household objects, and toys for the Touch sense station. It was fascinating to engage with children and adults and see their reactions. Putting a smile on children’s faces was very rewarding.”
The positive impact of our SS1K’s for corporate volunteers is certainly evident. Illena Blackwood, from Illumina, also added,
“I really enjoyed the event; being part of it was truly rewarding. It was great to see the children recognise various smells and learn how to activate them in their hands.”
It was delightful to see new volunteers from the University of Cambridge contributing to the day’s success as well! University student, Issy Davey, shared,
“I absolutely loved helping at the Shelford SS1K. Seeing all the children smiling when they received their medals after crossing the finish line was so rewarding. It was such a fun event!”
The medals offered at the SS1Ks clearly make a big impact, and for many of the recipients, they may never have received a medal like this before. University student Alasdair Fletcher commented on this, saying,
“The sensory 1K was a great experience for me! I loved helping the kids at each station and presenting them with their medals at the finish was so much fun.”
The success of the 2024 event promises even more exciting developments in the future, and we are excited to return next year!
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
If you would like to support us in our mission to “embed inclusive sport in the sporting, education and community landscapes” then we would love to hear from you. Would you like to host a SuperSensory1K at your local Fun Run or Park Run? Or would you like to volunteer at our next event? Or could you give to the ongoing work of Power2Inspire. Click the button here to find out more.
Bethany Haran
P2I Intern
All photos used with permission