Making games more accessible with PowerHouseGames

The Cambridge Biomedical Campus (CBC) was full of teamwork, friendly competition and plenty of smiles on Wednesday 9 September, as children from Churchill School and adults from Rowan took part in the 116th PowerHouseGames.

Organised by charity Power2Inspire, the Games brought everyone together in mixed teams to try adapted activities including boccia, volleyball, curling and more. Volunteers from across the Campus also joined the teams, getting stuck in and cheering participants on as they tried something new.

“I really enjoyed getting involved in the PowerHouseGames. There was such a positive atmosphere and it was brilliant to see everyone with all abilities getting involved and having fun,” said a Campus volunteer.

The event was officially opened by Julie Spence, Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, who said: “PowerHouseGames isn’t about who’s the fastest, strongest or best athlete. It’s about bringing people together to play sport, trying something new, working as a team and, above all, having fun.”

Paralympic gold medallist Dan Bentley was also there, helping to facilitate the boccia activity.

“It was extraordinary to celebrate our 7,000th PowerHouseGames participant here at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. For me, it’s all about seeing the smiles, hearing the cheers and watching people have fun together. Disabled or non-disabled, young or old, everyone can play and everyone can be included. That’s what the PowerHouseGames are all about,” said John Willis, Power2Inspire Founder.

The PowerHouse Games have now been hosted on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus for the third time.

“I found it really brilliant. With the experts and other participants, it’s great just being here. Curling has been my favourite – I love the speed, balance and just getting on with it,” said a participant from Rowan.