I was thrilled to return to the Worcester Arena, a purpose-built accessible sports venue, to see Worcester University host and run their third PowerHouseGames, on Thursday 13th February.
Jeremy Macklin, our wonderful chair, had volunteered again and he commented:
“John, it has been so well organised and run, we are redundant!”
This is a very happy place for us to be; and is very much part of the Power2Inspire development, as we see host organisations building the capacity and skills to host the games and bring fun, inclusive sports to hundreds more children and adults.
The Worcester University Sports students were the heartbeat of the day: they led the teams and supervised the games, with assistance from Hannah Pettigrew of Worcestershire County Cricket Club and Matt Cowdrey and Matt Lancett from the Worcester Warriors (rugby) Foundation. They were joined by 6 sports stars from the university. Their joint enthusiasm inspired the children from three local schools: Regency School, Nunnery Wood Secondary School, and St Clement’s Primary School.
The 12 teams played boccia, goalball, sitting netball, kwik cricket, walking football, and touch rugby.
It was a joy to behold as the students bonded their teams, guided their charges through new and unfamiliar games, all with laughter and smiles.
We were joined by three ambassadors from the university: Alice Hopkins, an England international blind footballer; Imogen Longworth, wheelchair basketball star; and Dan McLaughlin, another national level wheelchair basketball player. – all pictured below:
Alice threw herself into the event, taking up the challenge of being goal shooter in a giant game of sitting netball and scoring 17 goals for her team, extraordinary considering her visual impairment! It just proves there is always a way to adapt a game to make it accessible and fun for all.
However, let the students explain the power of the games:
Holly Aston:
“Attending the Power2inspire event was an incredibly rewarding experience. Seeing the joy and confidence grow in participants as they engaged in inclusive sports was truly inspiring. The event reinforced the importance of creating opportunities where everyone, regardless of ability, feels valued and empowered. Being part of an environment filled with encouragement, teamwork, and smiles was uplifting, and I felt privileged to contribute. It highlighted the profound impact of inclusivity in sports and the need for continued support for such initiatives. Power2inspire makes a real difference, and I am grateful to have been involved.”
Alicia Paul:
“The PowerHouseGames provide such an inclusive and safe environment for children and gives them the special opportunity to be with other like-minded people and embrace opportunities. Integrating sports games and learning with the element of having fun was such a powerful and evident message that ran through the event. Volunteering was such a pleasure.”
Tom James (PE & Coaching):
“The event showed me how easy it is to manipulate and change sports quickly to give everyone an opportunity, as well as still having the element of enjoyment for all participating. It also highlighted that everyone just wants to be happy through playing sport no matter what version or adaptation of it, so long as it is enjoyable, and they have people around them who also want to enjoy it and have the best experience.”
Jake Newcombe:
“It was an amazing event. Turning up to the event I thought that I would just be on childcare duty, but it turned into something that was really fun, where I go to play and get involved with everyone from different demographics and abilities. The connection I made with my group and some of the opposing groups were great, and it made me happy to see them get involved and most importantly have fun!”
And lastly, Mia Griffiths:
“This was a fantastic event to be a part of. It was great seeing everyone active and engaged in all of the sports no matter their age, ability or gender. It was clear that the children followed the number 1 rule of the charity… to have fun!!”
A heartfelt thank you
This day wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of the Eveson Trust. We were very pleased to host Karen Dobson, the Trust’s funding officer, and she joined the ambassadors to hand out the medals and certificates. We hope the joy she witnessed will encourage her and the trustees to develop a partnership with Power2Inspire and the University over the years ahead, to enable many more PowerHouseGames to take place in Worcestershire, creating laughter and joy, enabling all participants to have fun!
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.
