LIVELY students from schools in Coventry, Rugby and Leamington took part in a fun day of sports built around one simple motto: nobody left on the bench.
Pupils from Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Coventry, Arnold Lodge School in Leamington, and Avon Park school in Rugby teamed up with University of Warwick students and staff for the 96th PowerHouseGames.
The day featured a variety of inclusive sports including boccia, kurling, seated volleyball, goalball, walking football, and kwik cricket, which made its debut this year.
It concluded with a huge seated netball game, which started with one ball and ended with three flying across the court – capturing the fun and collaborative spirit of the day.
The event was supported by University staff, student volunteers, and the team from Warwick Sport. Warwick Sport Scholars were also on hand to present medals and certificates to every participant, celebrating their commitment and teamwork.
Jade Woodward, Active Programme Manager at Warwick Sport, said: “We believe physical activity should be accessible to everyone. The PowerHouseGames shows how simple adaptations can make sport fully inclusive without losing any of the excitement.
“Seeing students support one another, build confidence and try new activities is exactly why we are proud to deliver this event.”
John Willis, Founder and Chief Ambassador of PowerHouseGames, said the event showed what is possible when schools, universities and communities put inclusion first.
He added: “To see participants fully engaged, adapting, communicating and celebrating each other’s success is exactly what the Games were created to achieve.”
Andrew Todd, Director of Regional Strategy and Partnerships at the University of Warwick, said it was fantastic to see how sport can bring together teams of pupils from different schools and backgrounds.
He added: “This is now the fourth time the University has hosted the PowerHouseGames and it continues to grow and develop with new sports such as boccia and cricket being added this year.
“We were really pleased to include staff and student volunteers who fully embraced the wonderful spirit of the games again.”
A spokesperson said the university was looking forward to welcoming the Games back for a fifth time in 2027.
