Nearly 100 people from across Hertfordshire came together at Woodside Leisure Centre on 10 June for a special inclusive multi-sport event celebrating accessibility, teamwork and the power of sport...
Initiated by Co-op to raise funds for Barnardo's and delivered by Power2Inspire in support of the No Limits 2026 Campaign - Hertfordshire’s Year of Disability Sport & Physical Activity; the free event was organised in partnership with Watford Borough Council, Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership, Everyone Active and London Titans Wheelchair Basketball Club. Co-op played a key part in approaching the Mayor’s office, to bring all the necessary organisations together to host this inclusive event in Watford as part of their community engagement initiative.
Councillor Jennifer Pattinson, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing & Housing, opened the event which welcomed more than 50 pupils from local primary and secondary schools, including those with additional needs and disabilities, alongside a day service group for adults with learning disabilities and neurodiversity, and corporate volunteers to take part in a carousel of six inclusive and adapted sports. Activities included wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball, boccia, goalball, adapted tennis and new age kurling.
Designed to break down barriers and encourage participation for all abilities, the event mixed people from the different groups into 12 teams, giving every participant the opportunity to try every sport in a fun, supportive and inclusive environment. All participants received a PowerHouseGames t-shirt, refreshments, a medal and a certificate to mark their achievement.
Importantly, the event also highlighted long-term opportunities for young people to stay active, with participants being connected to local clubs and specialist providers so they can continue their sporting journey beyond the day itself.
After the main games had finished, Co-op hosted a sponsored shootout, and the groups were invited to stay on after lunch to take part in an open session of Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Rugby hosted by players from London Titans and Saracens Wheelchair Rugby Club.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “It was fantastic to see so many young people enjoying sport together in such a positive and inclusive environment. Events like this show the importance of ensuring everyone has the opportunity to take part, regardless of ability. My thanks go to Power2Inspire and all the partners involved for delivering such an inspiring day for local young people.”
John Willis, CEO at Power2Inspire, said: “The PowerHouseGames are all about bringing people together through inclusive sport and showing that everyone can play. It was wonderful to see pupils supporting one another, trying new activities and building confidence throughout the day. We’re grateful to all our partners for helping make this event such a success.”
A pupil from Parkgate School, said: “I really enjoyed trying all the different sports and meeting new people from other schools. Everyone encouraged each other and it made me feel included. My favourite activity was wheelchair basketball because it was really fun and something I’d never tried before.”
Geraldine Strohm, Co-op Member Activator for Hertfordshire, said: ““Through work with our members in their communities, we’ve seen first-hand the incredible impact of organisations like Power2Inspire and London Titans.
“We’re proud to highlight the inclusive sporting opportunities they provide, helping people of all abilities take part and thrive. With Barnardo’s as our charity partner, it’s especially meaningful to support young people, raising funds alongside them and helping to create more accessible opportunities for everyone.””
The PowerHouseGames formed part of a wider programme of events across Hertfordshire celebrating inclusion during the county’s Year of Disability Sport & Physical Activity – No Limits 2026. Find out more here: sportinherts.org.uk/no-limits-2026.
