A new event is making waves for adults with learning disabilities.
The inaugural Winchester Aqua Bests took place on Thursday, October 30, at Winchester Sport and Leisure Park, offering a day of inclusive and fully accessible water-based activities.
Organised by Active LD in partnership with Everyone Active and Winchester City Council, the event welcomed 34 participants from Winchester and surrounding areas.
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Alison Lewis, area contract manager at Everyone Active, said: "Our team at Winchester Sport and Leisure Park are incredibly proud to host the very first Aqua Bests event 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."
Attendees took part in a variety of accessible aquatic activities, including aqua aerobics, swimming and water polo, led by coaches and volunteers from Winchester City Swimming Club and Winchester Water Polo Club, together with an Everyone Active Aqua Aerobics instructor.
They were also joined by Everyone Active Sporting Champion and Blind Sailing UK athlete Kate Healey, as well as Cllr Sudhakar Achwal, the Mayor of Winchester.
Aqua Bests is a development of the established Personal Bests event, which encourages adults with learning and physical disabilities to try new sports in a supportive environment.
Last month, nearly 200 people from across Hampshire attended the Winchester Personal Bests event.
Betty Chadwick, executive director of Active LD, said: "The feedback from our learning-disabled friends showed a real appetite for more water-based activities.
"Aqua Bests has given people with learning disabilities a chance to try something new, meet new friends and have fun being active.
"It’s been amazing to see so many people enjoying the water together.
"Aqua Bests is all about confidence, fun and inclusion — we couldn’t do it without the brilliant support from our coaches and volunteers, huge thanks to them.
"We’re already looking forward to growing the event next year."
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