Brace of inclusive opportunities to achieve your best
Two inspiring days of inclusive sport and achievement are set to take place in the district.
Winchester Personal Bests will take place in Winchester Sport & Leisure Park and the University of Winchester sports stadium on Thursday 4 September 2025.
The event, which was previously known as Paralympic Personal Bests, is for adults with a wide range of learning and physical disabilities. It offers them the opportunity to try accessible sports and challenge themselves while creating connections and having fun in a supportive environment.
Each participant will have an opportunity to try a range of different sports including squash, athletics, low level circuits, rugby, football, cricket, yoga and boxing, and they will receive a T-shirt, reusable water bottle, certificate and a medal for taking part.
Winchester Personal Bests is the first event of its kind to be officially recognised as Autism Friendly by the National Autistic Society.
Then on Thursday 30 October 2025, brand-new event Winchester Aqua Bests in Winchester Sport & Leisure Park will offer adults with learning disabilities an opportunity to take part in various inclusive and fully accessible water-based activities.
Betty Chadwick, Executive Director of Active LD, said: “We know how important being active is for people with learning disabilities. Taking part in regular physical activity builds confidence, grows social networks and supports good physical and mental health. Access to inclusive and enjoyable physical activity is absolutely key to having a happy, healthy life.
“We’re so excited about this year’s event, and that Personal Bests continues to grow. Aqua Bests has come about because of valued feedback from our past participants, and we can’t wait to witness the achievements in the pool.
“We’d like to send huge thanks to all the coaches, participants, volunteers and event management team for making these events happen.”
Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities Cllr Kathleen Becker said: “Personal Bests helps its participants to build lasting connections with different sports and their coaches, highlighting pathways to, and encouraging people with learning disabilities to engage in, regular physical activity.
“By championing them for taking part and doing their best, it also helps to build confidence, grow their social networks, and support their mental health. I’d encourage anyone thinking about signing up to join in and give it a go – you’ll have a great time!”
Alison Lewis, Area Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: “Winchester Sport & Leisure Park is proud to host the upcoming events, Personal Bests and Aqua Bests, reflecting our ongoing commitment to inclusivity and accessible sport. These events embody our dedication to providing meaningful opportunities for individuals of all abilities to participate, achieve, and thrive.”
Register for a place now via the Active LD website.
To volunteer at the events, visit https://www.activeld.org/volunteers
Further information can be found at https://www.winchester.gov.uk/winchester-personal-bests.