Sporting individuals, clubs and schools who make a real difference in their community through sport have been recognised at an awards ceremony.

Paralympic champion Ade Adepitan handed out trophies for Westminster Council’s fourth annual Active Awards on Friday last week (Nov 29).

Among the winners were Moberly Judo Club’s Richard ‘Basil’ Dawkins who was named best coach, London Tiger’s Aslam Khan who was best volunteer and Pimlico Puffins swimming club for disabled children won the inclusive award.

Natasha Fuchs, from Pimlico Puffins based at Queen Mother Sports Centre, said: “I was very excited when we were nominated for the award, as the club has been running for 33 years and this is the first time we have been up for an award.

“Over that time we have been trying to help people with disabilities in Westminster and help enable the same freedom of sport that other people in the borough receive.

“I feel totally overwhelmed that we have won, and I am really thrilled for all our volunteers as it is really them who should win the award – all forty of them.”

It was also a good night for Westminster Boating Base which won in the Active Place and Active Club categories. Gateway Academy in Lisson Grove was the best sporty school and coach Ellie Wood from athletics club Run Dem Crew was recognised for outstanding contribution to sport in the borough.

Host Ade, who won gold at the Beijing Paralympics with the men’s wheelchair basketball team, said: “Sport has been the greatest gift that I have ever had. It is the great enabler.

“I took up sport because it gave me confidence, it made me independent. I knew I would be able to anything I wanted to do if I was fit and strong.

“It doesn’t matter whether or not you are great at it – it took me a year before I could score a basket. You have to always believe in yourself and never put a ceiling on your dreams.”

Councillor Steve Summers, cabinet member for community, celebrated all the winners saying: “We know that there are countless numbers of people in Westminster who are making a real difference to the lives of others in their communities, either by promoting healthy lifestyles or encouraging them to take part in sports across the city.”