Westminster Sports

Active Westminster Awards 2025 – Shortlisted Finalists Announced


The Active Westminster Awards 2025 - Shortlisted Finalists Announced

The ActiveWestminster Awards 2025 recognise those who change lives through their outstanding contribution to physical activity, leisure and sport.

We received over 400 nominations from residents this year. Thank you to each and everyone one of you who have taken the time to recognise the hard work of inspiring people and organisations across Westminster.

The shortlisted finalists have been invited to the awards ceremony taking place on Friday 14 November at Porchester Hall.

This year’s shortlisted finalists

Inclusive Award

Caxton Youth Organisation
Ryan Denys
Step Change Studios

Rewarding and Celebrating Diversity Award

Danny Flyod – Turning Point
Westminster Women and Grils
Micoroty Inclusion Front (MIF UK)

Change4Life Award

Charlotte Thomas-Rowe – Hurdles2Hoops
Amelia Vincent – Change4Life Programme
Girls Allowed

One You Westminster Award

Paola Andrea Gianelli
Sandra DaCosta
Change4Life Neighbourhood Projects

Active Space or Place Award

Paddington Recreation Ground
Lisson Green Pitch
Porchester Centre, Hall and Spa
Jubilee Community Leisure Centre

PE & School Sports Award

St George’s RC School
St Vincent’s RC Primary School
St Grabriels’s C of E Primary School

Club or Coach of the Year Award

City of London Gymnastics Club
Neng Hua – Proud Sports
Antonia Nnyananzi – Brige Park Gymnastics Club

Sports Personality of the Year

Naqui Rizvi
Seyfu Jamaal
Nilourfar Rezaei

The Lord Mayor of Westminster Unsung Hero Award, In memory of Mariam Sabir

Ali Sharif
Ebenezer Owusu
Zahid Namigul

COUNTDOWN TO THE EVENING OF THE 2025 ACTIVEWESTMINSTER AWARDS

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Good luck to all the finalists and thank you again to everyone who submitted a nomination.

For more information, please visit the main ActiveWestminster Awards page.

Drum Roll Please! Announcing DanceWestminster 2025 Winners!

Drum Roll Please! And The Winners Of This Years DanceWestminster Grand Final Are……

And that’s a wrap for another year! What a wonderful final we had for our annual pan-disability dance competition, DanceWestminster. All our finalists were truely fanatastic, and although the judges found it hard to pick, below are our winners for this year.

Dance Westminster Champion 2025

Daniel and dance partner Liam dancing to ‘Take me to church’

SECOND POSITION

Faheem and dance partner Joelle dancing to song ‘Killin it’

THIRD POSITION

Manel and dance partner Ellen dancing to song ‘Good Morning/Singing in the Rain’

OUR PEOPLE’S  CHOICE WINNER

June and dance partner Ruth dancing to song ‘Swan Lake’

Congratulations and thank you to all of our finalists for their heart felt and inspiring performances:

  • Sam Y & Ellen with song ‘In Your Eyes’
  • Yursa & Goergia with song ‘APT/Gangnam Style’
  • Jonsidney & Chloe with song ‘Unsteady, X Ambassadors’
  • Ana & Jaimee with with song ‘Perhaps, Perhaps’
  • Manal & Ellen with song ‘Good Morning/Singing in the Rain’
  • Sam H & Patricia with song ‘Timber’
  • Mariam & Georgia with song ‘Say Na Say Na’
Visit our main Dance Westminster Page for more information and find out how you can be at this spectacular event next year!

Supporting Mind and Body Together: Free and Inclusive Activities in Westminster


Supporting Mind and Body Together: Free and Inclusive Activities in Westminster

World Mental Health Day (10 October) serves as a poignant reminder that mental wellbeing is integral to our overall health. This year, the theme “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies” emphasises the critical need for accessible mental health support during crises. While global events highlight this urgency, it’s essential to recognize that fostering mental health resilience begins within our communities.

At ActiveWestminster, we are committed to ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to engage in activities that promote both physical and mental health. Through our Move for Life! Strategy 2024–2028, we aim to create a fairer, healthier, and happier Westminster by providing inclusive and accessible movement opportunities for all.

Inclusive activities for mental wellbeing

Westminster offers a diverse range of free and low-cost activities to support both mental and physical wellbeing:

  • Gentle Movement: Engage in activities like yoga, somatic therapy walking, and cycling. Whether it’s high-impact or slower-paced, movement makes a difference

  • Be Active in Your Neighbourhood: Participate in guided walks and outdoor community activities to connect with nature and others.

  • Community leisure offers: Access discounted services through the ActiveWestminster Card, making movement accessible for every community member.

  • Inclusive programs for all residents: Our goal is to provide safe and welcoming environemnts for every resident from every walk of like to move and get active in a way that works best for them. That’s why we run initiatives like Edutain+ (in partnership with Everyone Active and SportWest) – a school holiday camp that is suitable for children with disabilities to engage, and connect with their peers. We’ve recently launched a brand-new swimming club for adults with disabilitieswhich is delivered by WeSwim, an organisation dedicated to supporting inclusive swimming ActiveWestminster’s Commitment to Mental Health

ActiveWestminster’s Commitment to Mental Health

Our approach is guided by three strategic pillars:

  1. Active Lives: Encouraging residents to engage in regular physical activity through tailored programs that focus on different needs and abilities.
  2. Active Neighbourhoods: Creating vibrant local environments with parks, open spaces, safe streets, and community-led initiatives that inspire movement and connection.
  3. Active City: Capitalising on Westminster’s top-class facilities and meaningful partnerships to make physical activity a central part of its identity.

These pillars ensure that mental wellbeing is at the heart of how Westminster moves.

Take a Step for Your Wellbeing

This World Mental Health Day, we encourage you to take a simple step: move for your mind. Whether it’s a walk with a friend, trying a new class, or just taking five minutes to stretch, every bit counts.

We’re committed to a fairer, healthier, happier Westminster, where everyone has the chance to move, connect, and thrive.

Move for Your Mind This World Mental Health Day

The Final Countdown: Dance Westminster 2025 Grand Final Is Almost Here!

The Final Countdown: The Dance Westminster 2025 Grand Final Is Almost Here!

The wait is nearly over!  The Dance Westminster 2025 Grand Final is just around the corner! 

After weeks of inspiring Heats across the city, our amazing finalists are ready to take centre stage and show Westminster how it’s done. This free, pan-disability celebration of dance is open to all — so come along, cheer them on, and be part of the movement!

In partnership with  Step Change Studios, Dance Westminster celebrates inclusion, creativity, and confidence through the joy of dance. Whether you’re a dancer, supporter, or spectator, this event brings our community together in rhythm and spirit.

Check out the video from last year to get a glimpse of the energy, talent and joy you’ll experience at the Grand Final! 

Don’t miss out!

Your Front-Row Look at the Grand Final

The spotlight is on Westminster’s finest! Here’s what’s coming up at the Dance Westminster 2025 Grand Final:

  • 10 incredible finalists will take to the stage, showcasing routines they’ve perfected with professional dance partners.
  • Experience a thrilling celebration of movement, creativity, and inclusion.
  • You, the audience, will have the power to vote and help crown the People’s Champion 2025.
  • Expect an evening full of energy, inspiration, and community spirit, perfect for dancers and spectators alike.

Don’t miss out, ticket are completely FREE but going very fast!

Secure your place today and join us for an evening full of movement, music, and community celebration. Click on the flyer above or button below. If you need any support with your booking please contact Ian Bannister at ibannister@westminster.gov.uk.

Cheer, Support, and Celebrate!

Not keen on dancing yourself? No problem! Come along to watch, cheer on participants, and soak up the energy of Dance Westminster 2025. Your support helps make the event even more special—every clap, cheer, and smile counts! Reserve 

Westminster, let’s make this an event to remember. It’s time to move, groove and celebrate!

Exciting Improvements Coming To The Younger Children’s Play Area At Pad Rec!

Exciting Improvements Coming To The Younger Children’s Play Area At Pad Rec!

We’re making playtime even better!

The younger children’s play area will be partially closed from Monday 13 October to Friday 24 October to allow for the installation of brand-new play equipment and enhanced safety surfacing.

These improvements are part of our ongoing commitment to provide safe, fun, and high-quality spaces where children can be active, explore, and play together.

We will endeavour to complete these works as quickly and efficiently as possible, keeping disruption to a minimum throughout the process and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused. 

  • Closure dates: Monday 13 – Friday 24 October
  • Reason: Installation of new play equipment and improved safety surfacing

Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to improve your local spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Last Call For ActiveWestminster Awards 2025! Your Nomination Can Make All The Difference

Last Call For ActiveWestminster Awards 2025! Your Nomination Can Make All The Difference

The ActiveWestminster Awards 2025 are your chance to celebrate the people, clubs, spaces and projects that make sport, activity and wellbeing thrive in our community. These awards shine a light on those who go above and beyond to keep Westminster moving. This is your last chance to show your recognition as nominations close this Sunday 28th September.

Celebrating 16 Years of Impact

Now in their 16th year, the ActiveWestminster Awards have become a highlight of the community calendar—bringing people together to honour the passion, creativity and commitment that help create an active city for everyone.

Key Dates and Prizes

  • Nomination Deadline: Midnight, Sunday 28 September 2025
  • Awards Ceremony for Finalists will be held later in the year
  • Winners will take home prizes kindly donated by our sponsors

Time left to nominate. 

Nominations close this Sunday 28th September.

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Nine Categories to Celebrate Every Contribution

With nine award categories, there’s a way to recognise every type of contribution, whether it’s from schools, community groups or individuals:

  • Active Inclusive Award
  • Rewarding and Celebrating Diversity Award
  • Change4Life Supporting Children and Young People Award
  • One You Westminster Supporting Adults Award
  • Active Place or Space Award
  • PE and School Sport Award
  • Club or Coach of the Year Award
  • Sports Personality of The Year (aged 12+)
  • The Lord Mayor of Westminster – Unsung Hero Award, in memory of Mariam Sabir

Celebrate Dedication, Passion and Impact

These awards aren’t just about trophies—they’re about recognising heroes among us. Whether it’s a volunteer who makes a quiet but lasting difference, a club that opens doors to new opportunities, or a space that welcomes everyone—your nomination helps ensure their efforts are recognised and their impact celebrated.

Who Can Nominate

Anyone can nominate! You don’t have to be a Westminster resident, but the more evidence you can provide against the criteria, the stronger your nomination will be.