Local Sporting Heroes Celebrated at Awards Ceremony
Wandsworth Moves Together honours volunteers and clubs
Winner of the Active Communities Award Orleen McIntosh with the Mayor of Wandsworth
September 18, 2026
The athletes, coaches, volunteers, schools, and community organizations dedicated to creating a healthier, more active, and connected borough were honoured on Wednesday, 16 September at the Wandsworth Moves Together Awards 2026.
Held at the Council’s Civic Suite and hosted by Wandsworth resident and film director Fredi Nwaka, the special ceremony recognized achievements across the spectrum of physical activity, from grassroots volunteering to elite athletic success. Featuring contributions made throughout the year, the awards spotlighted the diverse ways local champions are helping residents of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of staying active.
Presenting the Outstanding Achievement Award, Councillor Ethan Brooks, Cabinet Member for Environment, praised the borough's active ecosystem. "Wandsworth is so fortunate to have an extraordinary network of volunteers, coaches, clubs, schools, community organisations and talented athletes that make our borough a standout place for sport in the country," Brooks said. "Whether they are coaching the next generation, organising accessible community activities, volunteering behind the scenes or achieving sporting success, every winner is helping make Wandsworth a healthier, more connected and more active place to live."
The Mayor of Wandsworth, who presented the Mayor’s Award, emphasized the deep community impact of the night's winners, noting that the awards highlight individuals and groups who embody the very best of local spirit. "It was inspiring to hear their stories and celebrate the many people encouraging residents of all ages and backgrounds to get involved, stay active and support one another," the Mayor remarked.
Full list of winners:
- Club/Organisation of the Year: Battersea parkrun – Recognised for creating a free, inclusive weekly event that has welcomed tens of thousands of participants, including disabled people, with innovations such as guide runners for blind and visually impaired participants and British Sign Language briefings during Deaf Awareness Week.
- Outstanding Contribution to Sport and Physical Activity: Peter Freeman – Honoured for almost 20 years of supporting residents, clubs and community groups, helping secure funding, create new activities and widen access to sport and physical activity across Wandsworth.
- Active Communities Award: Orleen McIntosh – Recognised for running Messy Play and Alton Explorers Club, which provide free, inclusive activities that help children and families on the Alton Estate become more active, connected and confident.
- Volunteer of the Year: Tahir Gondal – Celebrated for his work with Happy Homes Community, including coaching badminton, organising activities and encouraging men and boys to make physical activity part of their weekly lives.
- The Mayor’s Award: The Baked Bean Charity – Recognised for its accessible fitness programme for adults with learning disabilities, using tailored boxing, dance, Zumba and fitness classes to improve health, confidence and wellbeing.
- Sports Person of the Year: Lucy Jones – Honoured after a remarkable season that included national athletics titles, an England cross-country debut and an outstanding 2:30:23 performance at the London Marathon.
- Junior Sports Person of the Year: Jasmine Nkoso – Recognised for winning the English Schools Intermediate Girls Combined Events title and earning selection to represent England Schools.
- Coach/Instructor of the Year: Maria Lopez– Celebrated for delivering inclusive Taekwondo coaching, adapting sessions for children with additional needs and helping young people build confidence, discipline and sporting skills.
- Active School of the Year: Garratt Park School – Recognised for embedding inclusive physical activity throughout school life and creating opportunities for pupils with SEND to participate, compete and develop leadership skills.
The annual ceremony plays a central role in Wandsworth Council’s broader strategy to expand access to sport, increase participation, and tackle inequalities across the borough.
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