THERE was an important message behind the fun and frolics at King’s Ely Junior’s annual PowerHouse Games.
It is the second year running that King’s Ely Junior has hosted the PowerHouse Games, which are the initiative of local man John Willis, founder of the charity Power2Inspire and whose daughter was in King’s Ely Senior up until last year.
Through John’s own experiences of trying sports in an inclusive way that overcomes different levels of ability and disability, he wanted school children to have the same opportunities hence the PowerHouse Games were born.
The PowerHouse Games are mini sports days using adapted and inclusive games and sports activities. The initiative is designed to help children learn to challenge their assumptions, respect people’s differences and explore their understanding of what they can do. At the same time, the children benefit from the positive physical and social experience that sport can provide, as well as having plenty of fun.
This year, King’s Ely Junior invited pupils and staff from Highfield Ely Academy to come along and join in on the action, which saw students enjoying a whole host of different sports and activities, many of which are associated with the Paralympics, including boccia, sitting volleyball, visually impaired goalball, to name just a few. Highfield Ely Academy is for children and young people from the age of 2-19 who have additional needs.
This year’s PowerHouse Games were not only blessed with glorious sunshine but also the attendance of Mr Willis and a team of volunteers from Power2Inspire, which, through inclusive sports, supports people with disabilities and additional needs.
To find out more about Power2Inspire, including how you can show your support, please visit www.power2inspire.org.uk.