Personal Bests celebrated at annual Paralympic-inspired event
NEARLY 200 adults with learning and physical disabilities and autism have come together in Winchester to achieve their sporting personal bests.
The 198 adults were participants in the 2024 Paralympic Personal Bests (Para PBs), a one-day event organised by local charity Winchester Go LD, and supported by an events management team from the charity, Winchester City Council, Everyone Active and the University of Winchester.
Para PBs, the brainchild of Kevin Stevens, was first organised in 2012 after being inspired by the success of that year’s London Paralympic Games. It has continued every year since.
This year’s event took place on Thursday 5 September in Winchester Sports and Leisure Park and in the University of Winchester’s stadium. Due to the inclement weather on the day, all events were held indoors.
Participants, separated into teams representing different countries, took part in activities including athletics, cricket, football, rugby, yoga, squash, circuits and swimming.
Those in attendance came from across Hampshire and included adults from: Make Aldingbourne Trust, Solent Stormers, Minstead Portsmouth, Minstead New Forest, Reach Out Caring, Gosport Community Link, The Grow Project, Cambria House, Havant Keystone, Creating Chaos, Teals, Lower St Helens residential care home, MCD Care, QE2 activity centre in Hedge End, Windward, James’ Place (Andover, Eastleigh and Basingstoke), Rushes and Parkside in Aldershot.
Awards were presented by The Mayor of Winchester Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith and 18 year-old para-sprinter Leon Serning, who has already achieved significant milestones in the world of para athletics. Leon was recently selected for the prestigious UK Futures programme, identifying him as one of the most promising young athletes in British para sport. He has already represented England on the international stage, securing victory at the U20 Welsh International.
The 2024 main event sponsor was Simplyhealth, with planning input from Santander and trophies donated by the Cardo Group. A host of volunteers and sports coaches also signed up to assist, and a number of organisations including Santander and Simplyhealth offered volunteers on the day. Autism Hampshire were also on hand for support.
Betty Chadwick, CEO of Winchester Go LD, said: "We are so proud of how the Para PBs has grown year on year; we had198 participants this year! Bringing communities across Hampshire together and shining a positive light on disability, our aim is to remove barriers to sport and to make it fun for everyone.
“None of this would have been possible without the support, enthusiasm, encouragement and hard work of our volunteers, who are all amazing!”
Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Engagement Cllr Kathleen Becker said: “This fantastic inclusive event, which puts accessibility right at the heart of its ethos, is now in its twelfth year. It has also become a popular volunteering experience for individuals and businesses from the local community.
“Sport England’s Active Lives Adult Survey indicates that people with a disability or those born with a long-term health condition are twice as likely to be physically inactive as those without. Since its inception, Para PBs has been building a legacy of taking part in year-round regular exercise, with its participants becoming inspired to move on to other local events including Winchester parkrun.”
Rebecca Woodford, Activity and Wellbeing Manager at Everyone Active, said: "This year's Para PBs event has once again been truly inspiring. Seeing this number of participants enjoying themselves as they get active, try something new and celebrate their achievements, truly showcases the power of inclusive sport.
“We're proud to support this cherished event that reflects our commitment to accessible leisure for all. Paralympic Personal Bests not only unites and inspires people of all abilities but also promotes regular exercise and wellbeing. We look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come.”
The University of Winchester’s Sport Facilities Operational Manager (acting) Ryan Sanger said: “The University of Winchester is delighted to be involved with an event that is so inclusive and that brings joy to both participants and the wider community. I have been personally involved for four years and find it very rewarding - I look forward to it every year.”