Sergeant Frens Hartgers was hit by an IED during a patrol in Uruzgan, Afghanistan in 2008. He was thrown 20 metres from his vehicle and lost 4 litres of blood. He is now taking a part-time course in Social Work at the University of Arnhem and Nijmegen, and is balancing his training for the Games with the recent arrival of his first son. Frens has already participated in the Warrior Games in the USA and jumped at the chance to join the team for the Invictus Games in London. He will compete in Field Athletics, Cycling and Sitting Volleyball.

Grant Harvey was diagnosed with an auto immune disease of the brain and spine called Demyelisation. He also suffers from Arthritis in both feet & right wrist. Since then, Harvey has received a confirmed diagnosis of Relapse Remitting Multiple Sclerosis which has left him with severe mobility issues. However, through support and guidance from Help for Heroes, he discovered the restorative and freeing nature of adaptive sports. This has led Harvey to represent the Help for Heroes team at the 2013 Warrior Games in the USA. Grant Harvey will be representing the Bristish Armed Forces in Wheelchair Rugby.

Christopher Hayes has been suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Asberges. The power of sport has been a really effective tool in helping Edwards to set new goals and build confidence. He will be competing in Archery.

Sport has been integral to Thomas Heinecke’s recovery from his injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; “Since I became wounded, sport brought back optimism and pleasure to my life”. That is why he is looking forward to competing in Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Basketball, and Athletics during this year’s Games.

Master Sgt. Daniel Hendrix’s life changed in 2012 when he was injured in a skydiving accident. After a year of medical treatment, doctors were forced to amputate his leg. During his recovery in Texas, Hendrix was introduced to Wheelchair Basketball. “Adaptive sports have given me a level playing field after a life-changing injury,” said Hendrix. “This is my opportunity to compete at a high level once again.”Now Hendrix is a member of the Denver Rolling Nuggets, a Colorado-based Wheelchair Basketball team. “Through the Adaptive Reconditioning Program, I have the ability to still compete even though I am injured.” Hendrix’s long-term goal is to invest more of himself in the Adaptive Reconditioning Program. “I find the more I invest in sports the better I feel, physically and mentally.” He will be competing in the Wheelchair Basketball, Sitting Volleyball, Swimming and Athletics.

In 2011 David Henson was out clearing a compound with the Royal Irish Regiment in the Helmand Province. During the clear out he accidentally stood on an IED, which lost him both legs above the knee. During his recovery Henson used sport as a means to rebuild his strength and wasn’t soon after he was taking part in various Athletics and Sitting Volley Ball events. His skill and endurance has earnt him the reputation of great leadership. Henson will be representing the British Armed Forces as the UK Captain and will be competing in Athletics and Sitting Volley Ball.

Joshua Heyes, was injured during his service with the Army. The injury resulted in Heyes being left deaf, in his left ear. Through his recovery process adjusting to his injury, Heyes became involved with adapted sports. He is proud to be representing the British Armed Forces in Athletics.

Sgt. Hoffman joined the Marine Corps in 2008, two weeks after he graduated high school, where he was then diagnosed with spinal issues and bilateral multiple ligament tears in knee. He is looking forward to competing in the Games because: “To me they are an opportunity to train harder than ever to compete against my fellow wounded warriors around the globe in friendly competition. To meet men and women from all over and see the same struggles and hard ships overcome to meet in one place to participate in one culminating event to me is the ultimate form of camaraderie.” He will be competing in Archery and Powerlifting.

Kim Holm injured his left leg from an IED blast, this resulted in the loss of muscle, tissue and amputation of the 4th and 5th toes. He also had to have one quarter of his right foot removed. Holm is excited to be competing in Athletics, Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Rugby.

Army Sgt. Sean Hook had a strong performance at the first-ever U.S. Army Warrior Trials, winning four gold medals, and is now getting primed for the Invictus Games in Athletics, Sitting Volleyball, Archery, Powerlifting and Wheelchair Rugby. “These games are an honor for me,” said Hook. During his deployments to Iraq, Hook was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device on two occasions. He made a speedy return to duty after the first Improvised Explosive Device hit. Later in his deployment, a vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device hit his platoon. This exploded approximately 150 meters from his location, throwing him against a wall barrier, where he was struck by shrapnel. The injuries, took a significant toll on his body, with substantial injuries to his shoulder, as well as a traumatic brain injury. For Hook, participating in adaptive sports and reconditioning has been a life changer. “I have been introduced to sports that I never competed in before my injury, and to represent my country in these sports is a reminder of how far I have come since I started adaptive sports.”

Retired Spc. Geoff Hopkins is ready to take on the Cycling and Wheelchair Basketball competition at the first-ever Invictus Games. Hopkins plans on using this opportunity to represent the United States to mentor other wounded, ill and injured soldiers and veterans. “I look forward to using my experience in adaptive sports and recreation to assist the younger, newly injured service members,” said Hopkins. He credits adaptive sports with many of his personal and educational achievements and hopes to continue his recovery.“Adaptive sports has helped me to achieve many things in my life, including, but not limited to, a great relationship with my wife, being physically able to take care of our five-year-old son, work and obtain both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees,” said Hopkins.

Paul Horton suffers from multiple joint injuries and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This power of sport has played a key role in helping Horton cope, he is proud to be representing the USA in Athletics and Cycling.