Invictus UK Trials: Wounded Veterans from Devon set to compete at UK’s largest ever military adaptive sporting competition

The Invictus UK Trials Sheffield 2019 will see up to 350 wounded, injured and sick Veterans and Service Personnel take part in up to nine adaptive sports in a showcase of the power of sport on recovery.

Help for Heroes has trained and prepared the team, which includes Dave Wilson from Plymouth, who will compete in archery as part of his ongoing recovery.

Army veteran Dave, from Plymouth, has impaired movement due to knee injuries, and says taking part in Invictus would be a dream come true:

“I started my recovery journey nearly four years ago when I learned about Invictus and Warrior Games. My first attempt to take part was unsuccessful, but I persevered and successfully re-applied for the 2018 Warrior Games. I took part in Colorado - which was a great experience.

“The friendship and camaraderie was amazing. I’m now aiming for Invictus 2020. Sport is a big part of my ongoing recovery programme which really benefits my wellbeing.”

Invictus UK, presented by BAE Systems, is delivering the Invictus UK Trials Sheffield 2019, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. The competition runs from 22-26 July, across Sheffield’s top sporting venues and other locations. Over five days 350 competitors, supported by their friends, family and local community, will take part in up to nine sports – Archery, Athletics, Cycling, Indoor Rowing, Powerlifting, Sitting Volleyball, Swimming, Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Rugby.

The Invictus UK partnership comprises Help for Heroes, the Ministry of Defence and The Royal British Legion.

Martin Colclough, National Head of Sports Recovery, Help for Heroes, said: “The Invictus UK Trials will be a brilliant demonstration of the power of sport and we are here to help every individual exceed their personal recovery goals – be it to take part, set a personal best or take home a medal. We’re proud to continue our legacy of delivering outstanding sports recovery to wounded veterans, through Invictus UK.”

All Invictus UK Trials competitors can put themselves forward to become part of Team UK for the Invictus Games The Hague 2020. Selection in the UK is based on potential recovery benefit, attitude and commitment, as well as performance. Help for Heroes will work with all competitors, regardless of selection, to ensure their recovery journeys continue beyond the Invictus UK Trials.

Invictus UK Trials Sheffield 2019 Arts & Education Programme:

In addition to the sporting competition, a wider programme of activity will take place across the City, supported by Invictus UK’s delivery partners and Sheffield organisations.
An opening event, The BIG Gig, will mark the start of the Trials, with tickets available to see acts including Alfie Boe, Suggs, Heather Small and JP Cooper. Additional activity includes:

Performances of the West End show Soldier On at the Oval Hall, City Hall by The Soldier’s Art Academy CIC, with tickets available to buy now.
Dance and acting workshops
A number of photographers whose work addresses conflict and conflict resolution will be displayed around the city, which includes local veterans
Art in the Aftermath will showcase the work of former servicemen suffering from mental and physical health issues, hosted by charity Style for Soldiers and with support from its ambassadors, actor Charles Dance and British model David Gandy
Renowned author Sir Michael Morpurgo will be interviewed by TV presenter and wheelchair basketball player Ade Adepitan as the headline element of the event’s literary festival – tickets are available
International children’s charity Never Such Innocence is running an arts competition and workshops
The Royal British Legion will host the Poppy Quest; a family friendly exploration of Sheffield’s history
A military village will appear in Devonshire Green during the week, with military equipment on display and an opportunity to explore the range of activities open to Servicemen and women
An employment forum will investigate how the Nation can better employ and utilise the skills of those who leave the Armed Forces
An employment fair, hosted by the Career Transition Partnership, will allow Invictus UK Trials competitors to explore career opportunities available
A Recovery and Rehabilitation Symposium will bring military injury and recovery experts together to discuss various aspects of the subject, including the long-term needs of those affected by military service

More information about the Invictus UK Trials Sheffield 2019 is available at welcometosheffield.co.uk. Tickets are available for the events mentioned above and a limited number for the sports events at siv.org.uk/invictus