Vigilance can report that a team of wounded British Servicemen and women arrived back on home soil on Tuesday after a whirlwind week competing in the U.S. Warrior Games. The trip was supported and funded by the UK charity Help for Heroes (H4H) and culminated in the team meeting Prince Harry at the British Ambassador’s residence in Washington.
The Warrior Games, an annual event hosted by the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC), saw wounded, injured and sick Service personnel and veterans competing in seven Paralympic sporting events from April 30 – May 5.
The UK squad of 21 competed in five sports - archery, cycling, swimming, track & field and sitting volleyball with Captain Simon Maxwell picking up gold in the men’s 1500m track, Leading Hand Mickaela Richards taking a bronze in the women’s 200m track and Captain Simon Maxwell and Captain David Henson both taking double gold in the pool. A particular highlight of the week was Private Pa Njie receiving a standing ovation for completing the 1500m, the furthest he has run non-stop since sustaining his injuries.
Captain David Henson is thrilled to be returning home with a double gold win. He said: “After injury you can get a bit depressed initially, and there are times it is difficult to see how you can get back into the things you loved. But although you might be doing them a little bit differently, the same buzz you got from sport before is there and it makes you realize things are going to be all right. Help for Heroes makes that possible.”
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: “I congratulate the UK’s team on their success at the Warrior Games. This should be a great personal achievement for all those on the team and the rest of the nation. I am particularly proud as it is the first time we have been invited to participate in the Warrior Games. I hope the team have the chance to build on their tremendous achievements next year. Our injured personnel deserve all the support we can give them.”
The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir David Richards enthused: “It is great to see the UK team arrive home following a successful Warrior Games in the United States. Sport is a terrific way to provide rehabilitation after injury and is also a wonderful way of fostering camaraderie among the Armed Forces of both countries. I am very proud to see them return home and delighted to hear of their sporting endeavours in Colorado.”
Bryn Parry, CEO & co-founder, Help for Heroes said: “We are delighted that Help for Heroes were able to support a UK team in such a high profile U.S. event. We know how important sport is in recovery and are delighted to have supported Battle Back since its inception in 2008. This is further enhanced through the Battle Back Phoenix programme which is available in the Personnel Recovery Centres for Service Personnel and veterans. Our participation in the Warrior Games is significant in raising awareness of the work that takes place worldwide in supporting wounded, injured and sick Service personnel, especially as we approach a busy year in sport.”
Athletes from across the Armed Forces, as well as staff from Personnel Recovery Centres and Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court were among those flying out to the United States. The wounded personnel who took part in the games include Private Pa Njie, Private Thomas Lawlor, Captain Simon Maxwell, Sergeant Colin Hamilton, Captain David Henson, Corporal Karl Hubberstey, Trooper Corie Mapp, Guardsman Apisalome Matiyavi, Miss Samantha Bowen, Lance Corporal Maurillia Simpson, Private Declan Hill, Corporal Claire Edwards and Private Scott Meenagh.
The team arrive back on the same day that the latest Personnel Recovery Centre (PRC) is officially opened in Colchester. The new centre will provide first class facilities for wounded, injured and sick Service personnel. It will include training facilities, classrooms, and gymnasiums with state-of-the-art sports equipment.