Accessible water event returns after successful launch year
Winchester Aqua Bests will return later this month, offering adults with learning disabilities the chance to enjoy swimming and other fun water-based activities.
The event welcomes people with a range of abilities, including those who also have physical disabilities. Sign up remains open to anyone who is interested in taking part.
Building on the success of last year, the 2026 event, which will take place in Winchester Sport & Leisure Park on Thursday 29 October, will be bigger and better, offering swimming, aqua aerobics and water polo opportunities to participants.
The event is organised by Active LD in partnership with Winchester City Council and Everyone Active, with support from Winchester City Swimming Club and Winchester Water Polo Club.
Aqua Bests is a sister event to Winchester Personal Bests, which was attended by a record number of participants – more than 200 - last month. Following 34 participants at its launch in 2025, 40 people are already registered for this year’s event.
Betty Chadwick, Executive Director of Active LD, said: “Aqua Bests is all about opening up opportunities, building confidence and showing just how much fun being active in the water can be. For some people, moving on dry land can be difficult, but being in the water can bring a real sense of freedom. It can make movement easier and help people feel more independent, while enjoying an activity alongside others.
“We want everyone to leave feeling proud of what they've done, having had fun, made connections and shared a positive experience with others. We also hope Aqua Bests will inspire more people with disabilities to give swimming and aqua aerobics a go and enjoy the benefits of being active in the water regularly.”
Cllr Kathleen Becker, Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities at Winchester City Council, said: “How wonderful that Aqua Bests will return, offering disabled people from across our Winchester district communities, and further afield, more opportunities to have fun and experience new sports in the fantastic facilities at Winchester Sport and Leisure Park.
“We know how important it is to offer opportunities to get active to people with learning and physical disabilities, and Aqua Bests will be a wonderful showcase of the water-based opportunities available.”
Alison Lewis, Area Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: “Our team at Winchester Sport and Leisure Park are incredibly proud to host Aqua Bests as we continue to make a wide array of sports as accessible as possible. This event embodies our mission to ensure all members of our community – no matter their background, age or ability – can take part in accessible sporting opportunities.”
Find out more and sign up now at www.activeld.org