100 participants celebrate the power of inclusion at Chichester sports event
This week, 100 people came together at the University of Chichester to highlight how being active is about more than just physical health - it can impact confidence, friendships and wellbeing.
Active LD’s Chichester Personal Bests has doubled in size since launching in 2025. Funded by the Sussex Community Foundation, this week’s event brought together participants, carers, volunteers, coaches and local sports clubs for a day that highlighted achievement, not competition.
The charity, which supports people with learning disabilities in becoming more active, offered adapted sessions in athletics, boccia, cricket, football, softball and tennis. These were delivered by coaches and local sports clubs, who ensured that everyone could take part.
Ben Polhill, activity and wellbeing manager for Leisure Solutions Community Trust, said: “Personal Bests reminds us that opportunities like this benefit everyone. Participants discover new activities and build confidence, volunteers leave inspired, and local clubs see first-hand the difference they can make. It’s a brilliant example of what partnership working can achieve, and we’re delighted to have helped make it happen.”
Participants attended from learning disability organisations across Chichester and the surrounding area, supported by several local councillors and more than 30 volunteers.
Councillor Adrian Moss, leader of Chichester District Council, said: “It was a real pleasure to attend this fantastic event and to see first-hand the enthusiasm, determination and enjoyment of everyone taking part…This is exactly the sort of event we want to see in Chichester.”
Active LD’s mission is to support the 80% of adults with learning disabilities who do not meet national physical activity recommendations (GOV.UK). As a participant-led charity, people with learning disabilities help shape the organisation, creating lasting connections with local sports clubs, coaches and activities.
Betty Chadwick, executive director of Active LD, said: “To us, inclusion means being together and welcoming everyone onto the same team. Personal Bests is about so much more than sport. It’s about creating opportunities to try something new, discover what you can achieve and build friendships that last long after the event has finished. The physical benefits of being active are important, but the confidence, smiles, laughter and sense of achievement are what make Personal Bests so special. Inclusive sport doesn’t just change the lives of people with learning disabilities - it changes everyone who is part of it.”
At this week’s event, every participant crossed the finish line as a winner, receiving a medal and certificate in recognition of their courage, determination and personal achievement.