Awards celebrate local heroes getting Wandsworth moving

Held at the Wandsworth Civic Suite and hosted by Sky Sports presenter Emma Paton, the event honoured the individuals, schools, community groups and sports clubs going above and beyond to make physical activity fun, inclusive and accessible to all.

Previously known as the Active Wandsworth Awards, the refreshed event reflects the council’s growing focus on movement to boost wellbeing, encourage physical activity and strengthen communities.

From women’s volleyball and boxing clubs to school-led running initiatives and yoga sessions for elders, the winners represent the incredible diversity and creativity of ways people are moving more and connecting across Wandsworth.

This year, 15 winners were selected across ten categories, showcasing a range of impactful projects and achievements. Among them was Sports Person of the Year Phoebe Anderson, who became the European Under 23 women's champion at the European Cross Country Championship in Turkey last year, and Coach or Instructor of the Year Mel Capleton, who runs accessible exercise classes tailored to all ages and backgrounds on Wandsworth Common.

For the Volunteer of the Year award, competition was so tough that six deserving nominees were honoured. The winners included Karrie Hill-Hughes, who launched the Battersea junior parkrun last May, and Hina Hanif, founder of the Wandsworth Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Volleyball Team.

Annabelle Hill, winner of Junior Sports Person of the Year, shared how her siblings are her inspiration and how the award has motivated her. She said: “It means a lot to get recognised for the progress that I’ve made and it gives me some confidence going forward that I should just keep going.”

A brand-new category, the Access for All Award, made its debut this year, celebrating projects that break down barriers and make sport accessible to all. The inaugural award went to Carol Bennett, founder of SW Ladies Boxing, a female-only boxing club in Tooting providing a safe, inclusive, and judgment-free space for women. Carol said, “Winning this award means so much because it’s not my award, it’s my ladies’ award. I can see their fitness improving and that’s just amazing so this award isn’t for me, it’s for them.”

Guests at the event enjoyed live performances, uplifting stories from nominees, and delicious local food while they connected with others in the community. Paralympian Marcus Perrineanu-Daley added to the evening’s excitement as the special guest, presenting several awards to worthy winners.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Environment, shared, “These awards shine a spotlight on those making a real difference in our community by getting Wandsworth moving.

"Movement offers significant physical and mental benefits, and it’s vital we continue creating opportunities for everyone to experience them.

"Every nominee tonight is an inspiration, and I am deeply grateful for their dedication.”

Wandsworth Moves Together is part of the council’s wider commitment to creating a more active and inclusive borough – where everyone has the opportunity to move in ways that feel right for them.

Full list of winners

• Young Volunteer of the Year, awarded to Zoe Graham
• Volunteer of the Year, awarded to Asma Choudhry, Guilliaume Fougerai, Hina Hanif, Karrie Hill-Hughes, Caroline Jenkins and Jess Winfield
• Active School of the Year, awarded to Sacred Heart Primary School in Battersea
• Mayor’s Award, awarded to Disability Sports Coach
• Junior Sports Person of the Year, awarded to Annabelle Hill
• Access For All Award, awarded to Carol Bennett
• Outstanding Contribution to Sports and Physical Activity, awarded to Alan Thurlow
• Sports Club or Organisation of the Year, awarded to Spencer Netball Club
• Coach or Instructor of the Year, awarded to Mel Capleton
• Sports Person of the Year, awarded to Phoebe Anderson