University Cricketers Powered to Inspire the Whole Community 

Elite cricketers from the Cambridge University Cricket Club engaged with the local community at a special inclusive sports day at the University Sports Centre last Friday [15th March].

At the event, run by local charity Power2Inspire, cricketers from the men’s and women’s blues squads hosted students from local schools to play inclusive and adapted sports, including boccia, goalball, table cricket and kwik cricket.  Captained by corporate volunteers from local solicitors and event sponsors Mills & Reeve each team welcomed a student from Castle Special School, Comberton Village College and the Perse. 

Cricketer Holly Tasker explained, “It has been a real eye-opener to see how the community can come together and to see how people with such a variety of disabilities can live their lives. It was the sort of event that restores my faith in humanity.  It is great to see how we can adapt the sports to make them inclusive for everyone. It has been an awesome experience – super inspiring.”

John Willis, a law graduate from Trinity Hall, was born without fully formed arms and legs, and set up Power2Inspire in 2013 to encourage more inclusion through sport.  As a youngster he was left on the sidelines when it came to sport, so he is determined that “No one be left on the bench!” regardless of age, gender, race, faith or disability.  “These events – this cricket one follows a Rugby Club one last autumn, and others are planned – are perfect examples of what we are about: Inclusion.  Not only are we breaking down barriers between able-bodied and disabled players, but also between men and women, across the ages and between different types of school.”

Nick Brooking, the University’s Director of Sport, emphasised the value of learning these softer skills: “They form an integral part of our goal of greater promotion of the wider, positive aspects of recreational activity for health, educational and social benefits.”

Kevin Martin, PE teacher, said: “A great day.  Our kids loved it!”

Sam Ash Croft, trainee solicitor, added: “It was tremendous fun to be a part of and gave me (and many others from Mills & Reeve) a genuinely moving experience of community, for which I am very grateful.”

So far 150 people have taken part in these “Power House Games”.  With plans for the football, rowing and golf clubs to join the programme, the university is introducing the community to the Sports Centre and to current students and inspiring local youngsters to dream big.