Taking part and winning (8)
I believe the answer is:
engaging
I believe this is a double definition.
'taking part' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)
'winning' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)
'and' is the link.
(Other definitions for engaging that I've seen before include "coming into battle" , "lt's attractive" , "holding fast" , "embarking on military action" , "Attractive; employing" .)