What a triumph! The fourth PowerHouseGames at the marvellous Worcester Arena, saw five schools come together with University of Worcester students to make yet another wonderful day of inclusive sport.
This was a first for me – despite it being our 87th PowerHouseGames! – in that I had no involvement in organising or running the games. And that makes me so excited, because it means our goal to continue this work after I ‘retire’ from Power2Inspire, is attainable.
We will deliver 30 PHGs this year and the demand is for even more – we want to grow this success around the country which inevitably means more Games with less and less of me! Please help us deliver that goal.
This event was such a success due to the brilliant, inspiring and wonderful teacher, Rebecca Foster. She encouraged 17 students from her sports courses to host 54 pupils from local special needs schools in 6 inclusive sports, with help from Matt Cowdrey of Worcester Warriors Foundation and Charlie Greening of Worcestershire County Cricket. The ambassadors were Archie Eaton, who led the boccia too, Imogen Longworth, wheelchair basketball and Alice Hopkins, medal-winning blind footballer for England.
Congratulations to Jeremy Macklin, Power2Inspire’s indefatigable Chair, who supported Becs Foster and acquired the snacks and sandwiches.
A big thanks to the five schools and their pupils: Rigby Hall, Nunnery Wood, Christopher Whitehead, Southall and Regency. With 54 pupils with SEND and 8 of the 17 Worcester students having an impairment, this was the highest percentage of disabled participants we have ever had at a PHG. The diversity of abilities and impairments made it fully inclusive and the fun and joy in the hall ensured, “No one was left on the bench!”
It was not just the pupils who left with smiles. Here are some of the Worcester students’ comments:
Jake Griffiths:
“I want to thank you for the opportunity to be part of the event today. I loved every moment of it, and it gave me more confidence with my coaching. I felt like I came out of my comfort zone by teaching a sport I had never heard about until you told me I was teaching it. I felt like I adapted well to the new sport and the kids were also amazing. It was very helpful that everyone listened to me, and it gave them more time to enjoy goalball. I would 100% do this again if it happens next year!”
Student from Worcester Uni:
“Becs, this made my day!!! Thank you so much, I had a fab time and really enjoyed it. I loved every minute of it, and I felt I connected really well with my team which was amazing.
Without you and your disability modules I would never have done anything close to this, and past experiences similar to this one, so thank you for giving me and other students the opportunity to get stuck in; and to enable me to help all pupils fall in love with sport no matter their ability!”
Student from Worcester Uni:
“I had a BRILLIANT time! The kids were great to work with. As for Alice… I want to be like her when I grow up :).
I had a rough night sleep – a bit of a blocked nose. I was questioning if I could make it at 5am. But honestly, I am SO glad I did! It was a great day, and when I heard one of the girls say ‘Why can’t she (i.e. me) work at our school?’ it made me sooo happy! I just want to spread joy (and jam). Can’t wait for the next event :)”
Power2Inspire’s No. 1 Rule is to Have FUN! Worcester University and the pupils of the 5 schools lived that rule. Thank you to the Eveson Trust for enabling such a wonderful day – let us have more in Worcester, please!
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 from the February 2025 Games in Worcester.
