UK Armed Forces To Compete In Warrior Games

UK Armed Forces To Compete In 'Warrior Games'

A team of British servicemen and women is flying out to the United States today to compete in an event aimed at promoting sporting opportunities for those injured while serving their country.

The UK squad, made up of 21 athletes from across the Armed Forces, will be taking part in the Warrior Games, which kick off in Colorado next week.

They will be among 200 others taking part in the event in Colorado Springs, which is designed to promote sporting opportunities for wounded, ill and injured service personnel.

The games, which will be held from 30 April to 5 May, will see the teams compete in five sports - archery, cycling, swimming, track and field and sitting volleyball.

Following the games, Prince Harry will attend a reception on 7 May at the British Ambassador's residence in Washington to meet members of the British and American Warrior Games teams.

The event is being supported by Help for Heroes, a UK charity that helps those who have been wounded in Britain's current conflicts.

Bryn Parry, chief executive officer and co-founder of Help for Heroes, said: "We are delighted that Help for Heroes will support a UK team into such a high profile US 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."

Battle Back is a Ministry of Defence rehabilitation programme which helps injured service personnel gain confidence and return to an active life.

General Sir David Richards, the Chief of the Defence Staff, said: "The 2012 Wounded Warrior Games are a great opportunity for our wounded and injured service personnel to show off their sporting prowess and to demonstrate the fantastic rehabilitation they have received through sport.

"This will be the first time the UK has fielded a team in these games and this underlines the special relationship the UK and the US Armed Forces continue to share.

"I am proud to support the UK team and wish them the very best of luck for success in the Wounded Warrior Games."

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