On Thursday 15th May, twelve enthusiastic Earlscliffe students took part in the very first Folkestone Powerhouse Games at Three Hills Sports Park – and we are so, so proud of their positively active approach to participation!
This incredible event brought together schools and members of the local community for a celebration of inclusion, teamwork and pure fun, through a series of adapted and inclusive sports. The Powerhouse Games offered a powerful reminder of the daily challenges faced by people with disabilities, helping participants to build empathy, awareness, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse ways we can all engage in sport. Through activities that levelled the playing field, our students gained insight into the resilience, adaptability, and strength required to overcome obstacles – both seen and unseen. It was an experience that redefined what resilience truly means.
From the moment we arrived at 9:30am, it was clear this was going to be a special day.
The Powerhouse Games are unique in their purpose. They are designed to break down barriers and bring people together through sport, regardless of ability, background, age, or experience. They challenge perceptions, encourage connection and – most of all – they create a space where everyone can get involved.
Our students threw themselves into a circuit of six sports stations:
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Goalball
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Boccia
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New Age Kurling
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Sitting Volleyball
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Sitting Netball
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Kwik Cricket
Each activity was designed to be inclusive, fun, and accessible. It was wonderful to see our students working alongside others with such positivity and energy. There were smiles, high-fives, and cheers from every corner of the sports park!
John Willis leads the team that provides this incredible fun learning experience. John was born without fully formed arms and legs, but that has not let that stop him. He is a Cambridge University graduate in law, and he practised as a solicitor for 12 years specialising in property litigation and appearing in front of the judiciary, occasionally with humorous consequences. He now dedicates a substantial amount of his time to inspiring young people to build resilience and overcome challenges, whilst enjoying life.
Embodying Earlscliffe Values
Our Earlscliffe team truly embodied our core values of:
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Community. They engaged fully with new friends and faces.
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Respect. They carefully followed the rules, and made sure that all of their teammates were involved and enjoying the games.
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Personal Development. They stepped outside their comfort zones and tryed new challenges.
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Curiosity. They showed interest in a range of sports that they would not normally encounter in everyday life, and they were inspired by the stories of professionals who compete in them.
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Aspiration. Our students were not only driven to win, but also to give their best and make a positive impression.
It was especially heartwarming to see two brand new Earlscliffe students taking part, having only joined the school a week earlier. To see them smiling, participating and being so warmly welcomed by the team and the wider community was a perfect example of what the Powerhouse Games are all about.
Global Citizens, Local Impact
Although Earlscliffe is a small international school with fewer than 150 students, our young people never shy away from connecting with the local community. Events like this show how deeply they understand that global citizenship begins at a local level – it begins with kindness, inclusion and shared experiences.
We couldn’t be prouder of our twelve student representatives – they were fantastic ambassadors for Earlscliffe, and we’re already looking forward to the next one!
Well done, Team Earlscliffe! 👏🌟
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For more information about Powerhouse Games, check out this link.
Earlscliffe students are always invited to expand their experiences with a wide range of enrichment opportunities. They are invited to contact Mr Eddolls with any requests or special interests.
