Fairer Communities

Six Years Of junior parkrun At Paddington Recreation Ground!

28 January 2026 by Sheena Kotecha

News
January 28, 2026

Paddington Recreation Ground Celebrates 6 Years Of junior parkrun This Jan!

On Sunday 26th January, Paddington Recreation Ground junior parkrun chanted “cheers to 6 years” as local children, young people, parents, guardians and volunteers set off for another weekly run.

Humble beginnings

Starting with just 1 or 2 participants on occasion, the junior parkrun at Paddington Recreation Ground has gone strength to strength since launch. The site has since hosted 1,159 participants (approcx 85 runners per week) aged 4-14, who have run, walked, jogged and even skipped the 2K around the mapped out route.

Our volunteers make it happen

The run solely relies on our dedicated troop of 370 primarily local volunteers (and some volun-tourists from as far as Texas and Australia). They do everything from setting, to ensuring the safety of participants and managing, marshaling, time keeping and tail walking.

We want to take this opportunity to give a special, heartfelt thanks to a number of our volunteers who have volunteered with us 100 times! This includes David Phillipa, Jawaid, Florentina, Kathy, and Genevieve. Local Resident John May has volunteered a whooping 216 times! Now that’s what you call dedication.

Through this initiative we have also supported 18 young peopke with volunteering opportunities as part of the their Duke of Edward Award.

Join us

Whether you want to volunteer or become one of our junior runners, we will welcome you with open arms to be part of this thriving community event.

Join us every Sunday morning at 9:00 am at Padding Recreation Ground.

Where little legs go far and big hearts make it happen

Let’s Get Westminster Moving: The ActiveWestminster Delivery Plan 2026

26 January 2026 by Sheena Kotecha

News
January 26, 2026

Let's Get Westminster Moving: The ActiveWestminster Delivery Plan 2026

ActiveWestminster has launched it’s Strategy Delivery Plan for 2026, setting out how we’ll turn bold ambitions for health, wellbeing ad physical activity into real, measurable actions across Westminster.

Building on the ActiveWestminster Strategy 2024-2028, the Delivery Plan focuses on making it easier, fairer and more inclusive for people to be active, whether its walking, cycling, dancing, playing sport or simply moving more in everyday life.

From vision to action

This practical plan designed to deliver impact. It outlines clear priorities and actions for the year ahead, with progress monitored and shared to ensure transparency and accountability.

Community-led, partnership-driven

The Delivery Plan put communities at the centre. By working closely with residents, community organisations, health partners, schools and local businesses, ActiveWestminster will deliver activity opportunities shaped by local needs.

Tackling inequality, opening opportunities

Access to physical activity isn’t equal. The plan targets inequalities by focusing support when barriers are greatest, helping more people experience the physical, mental and social benefits of being active.

Move for life!

Delivered through Move For Life! Framework, the plan champions everyday movement that fits eal lives, supporting people of all ages and abilities move more, more often.

Click the button below to read the Strategy Delivery Plan 2026 and see how we’re turning ambition into action for a healthier, more active Westminster.

Panathlon SEND Schools Competition Brings Energy and Inclusion to Moberly Sports Centre

21 November 2025 by Sheena Kotecha

News
November 21, 2025

Panathlon SEND Schools Competition Brings Energy and Inclusion to Moberly Sports Centre

Moberly Sports Centre was full of energy on Thursday, 13 November as the annual Panathlon SEND Schools Multi-Sports Competition returned, bringing together pupils from across Westminster for a full day of inclusive sport.

Across morning and afternoon sessions, 64 young people took part: 38 primary pupils from five schools and 26 secondary pupils from four schools. With more schools keen to join next time, the event continues to grow as a key fixture for SEND engagement in the borough.

The competition featured a wide range of accessible and highly interactive activities, all designed to encourage teamwork, confidence-building and fundamental movement skills. Corporate volunteers from Aspen partnered with Panathlon to support each challenge, helping pupils rotate through stations, track scores and keep the momentum high throughout the day.

Everyone Active provided the space and coaching support, creating a dynamic environment where pupils could try new activities, compete with enthusiasm, and celebrate each other’s achievements. Representatives from London Marathon Events were also on-site, allowing schools to secure places in the Mini London Marathon 2026 – a highlight that captured the imagination of many pupils and teachers.

Both the primary and secondary school competitions were closely contested, with strong performances and evident team spirit across all participating schools. Edward Wilson Primary School emerged as the morning winners, and in the afternoon, our champions were Abingdon House School.

This event serves as a fantastic lead-in to UK Disability History Month (20th November – 20th December), highlighting the achievements of disabled people and the importance of inclusive opportunities for young people with SEND.

ActiveWestminster continues to champion inclusive sport, ensuring children and young people with SEND have the chance to participate, grow and thrive through physical activity. Looking for more inclusive physical activity opportunities across the borough? Explore our full range of programmes by clicking on the button below

This year, we captured some of the thoughts of teachers, volunteers, partners, and participants on film. They shared their reflections on what inclusive sporting opportunities mean for their school communities.

Watch this space for a deeper look into what makes this event so valued across Westminster.

Temporary Car Park Closures At Paddington Recreation Ground

21 November 2025 by Sheena Kotecha

News
November 21, 2025

Temporary Car Park Closure At Paddington Recreation Ground

We would like to inform all visitors of scheduled temporary car park closures at Paddington Recreation Ground over the coming weeks. These closures are required to support planned operational activity on site and ensure the space can be managed safely and efficiently.

Closure dates and times

Thursday 27 November 2025: 6:30 am – 9:30 pm
Friday 28 November 2025: 6:30 am – 9:30 pm
Saturday 6 December 2025: 6:30 am – 8:30 pm

During these periods, no vehicle access or parking will be available. All other areas of the park will remain open as usual.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation while these arrangements are in place. Please plan your visit accordingly and allow extra time for travel where needed.

If you require further information, please contact the site team.

Westminster Strikes Gold At Parliament Hill

18 November 2025 by Sheena Kotecha

News
November 18, 2025

Westminster Strikes Gold At Parliament Hill

Westminster has kicked off the London Youth Games 2025/26 season in outstanding style, claiming Gold in the U17 Girls race at the iconic Cross Country opener at Parliament Hill.

Delivering a commanding run, Sonny Allen took the top spot with a rapid 11:04 over the 3km course, outperforming athletes from 32 London boroughs. More than 1,500 young runners filled Hampstead Heath on Saturday 8 November, creating a vibrant atmosphere for one of the most anticipated fixtures in the LYG calendar

"It feels amazing. I've been running for quite a while and I've done London Youth Games here a few times, but I never thought I'd win it, so it's a surreal experience and I'm so happy. It's a huge thing because it's one of the biggest competitions that I've won so far. London Youth Games is just an amazing atmosphere, amazing community."

Sonny Allen

The London Youth Games has launched the careers of some of Britain’s biggest sporting names — including Sir Mo Farah, Alex Yee, and Sam Reardon, all of whom once raced this same course.

“Sport has the power to bring people together… hopefully there is some talent competing this year who can go on to great success.”

Sonny Allen

The London Youth Games has launched the careers of some of Britain’s biggest sporting names, including Sir Mo Farah, Alex Yee, and Sam Reardon, all of whom once raced this same course. Sir Mo Farah said:

ActiveWestminster extends its thanks to the City of London Corporation, the South of England Athletics Association, and all Borough Team Organisers for delivering another inspirational London Youth Games event.

Supporters inspired by Westminster’s success can help make a difference by running for the London Youth Games Foundation at a future Half Marathon, raising funds to create more life-changing opportunities for young Londoners.

ActiveWestminster Awards 2025: Celebrating 16 Years of Inspiring Local Champions

17 November 2025 by Sheena Kotecha

News
November 17, 2025

ActiveWestminster Awards 2025: Celebrating 16 Years of Inspiring Local Champions

The ActiveWestminster Awards returned for its 16th year with an unforgettable evening celebrating the people, programmes, and partnerships that make Westminster an active, inclusive, and connected community. Held at the historic Porchester Hall on Friday 14 November, the 2025 edition once again highlighted the remarkable individuals, clubs, and organisations who bring physical activity, leisure, and sport to life across our city.

A huge thank you to our brilliant host, Qasa Alom, and to our special guest, sprinter and Champion of the Future Athlete, Ricardo Dos Santos, for joining us to celebrate this year’s finalists and winners. The evening opened with an outstanding performance from Daniel, winner of Dance Westminster 2025, who lit up the stage alongside Liam from Step Change Studios. The energy continued to build with incredible entertainment from The Gold Vocal Collective, who had the audience moving and singing along, and the much-loved Magician Trixy, who left everyone amazed with his jaw-dropping tricks.

The Winners of the ActiveWestminster Awards 2025 are:

A massive well done to all our winners, finalists, and nominees. Your dedication, passion, and commitment continue to make Westminster a place where everyone can be active and thrive. It was an energising and uplifting night, and we are proud to celebrate every single one of you.

Stay tuned for highlights and stories from the night as we continue to shine a light on the people powering our ActiveWestminster community.