29th April 2014

Wounded, injured and sick service personnel hoping to compete in the Invictus Games as part of the British Armed Forces team today marked the start of the selection process with a special visit from Prince Harry to Tedworth House, run by Help for Heroes and the Ministry of Defence.

Prince Harry was on hand today to wish the service personnel good luck on their journey to the Invictus Games, presented by Jaguar Land Rover. He met with over 25 potential competitors who are hoping to take part in the wheelchair rugby, cycling and indoor rowing events.

Amongst today’s hopefuls were Jonathan ‘Frenchie’ Le Galloudec who was shot in the spine whilst on active duty in Iraq. He explained how sport had been instrumental in his road to recovery. He’s hoping to compete in rowing and swimming events at the Invictus Games and defend his two Bronze medals from the Warrior Games in 2013.

Jonathan Le Galloudec explains: “Sport has really helped me improve my confidence post injury and the sense of freedom I get from it is second to none. My proudest sporting achievements are winning two Bronze medals at the Warrior Games in 2013 and it would be an honour to be selected for the Invictus Games.”

Royal Marine Don Maclean, who stood on IED whilst on patrol in Afghanistan, was also present.

Don Maclean, who has put his name forward for the wheelchair basketball and cycling events said: “I have always cycled but after my injury, it became a massive part of my rehab. I wouldn’t be at the stage I am at now without it. My proudest moment to date is completing the Race Across America in June 2012 with eight other injured blokes. Because of the way my recovery has worked out, I haven’t been able to take part in things like the Wounded Warrior Trials or previous Warrior Games. As I will be leaving the Royal Marines in July, the chance to be selected for the Invictus Games would be a significant highpoint in my recovery.”

Help for Heroes, who are assisting the Ministry of Defence in selecting and training the team, received around 200 applications from men and women who would like to take part in the Games. The British Armed Forces team will consist of 100 competitors – both serving and veteran – from all three services. In total, over 300 participants from 13 nations will compete in the international sporting event on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from 10-14 September.

Following today’s event, a number of selection and training events will take place over the next few months across the UK to find the competitors who will be part of the British Armed Forces team.

The selection of all competitors will be through a combination of factors including a commitment to train on a regular basis for the Games and an assessment of performance. Throughout the next four months, the British Armed Forces Team Managers will be working closely with each of the potential competitors and tracking their development. This will give the Team’s Chef de Mission the opportunity to assess a competitor’s commitment and individual performance in a competitive environment.

The training and selection process will combine extensive training and competition opportunities to enable competitors to best prepare for competing on an international stage. The process has been designed in consultation with Help for Heroes and National Governing Bodies for each of the sports to give the competitors the best opportunity for success.

The Invictus Games will use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country.

Tedworth House is one of six Personnel Recovery Centres which form part of the Defence Recovery Capability (DRC). The DRC is a Ministry of Defence led initiative designed in partnership with Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion, alongside other Service charities. The DRC’s mission is to support the wounded, injured and sick in their recovery.

The Invictus Games are being organised with the support and backing of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry and the Ministry of Defence. Jaguar Land Rover is the presenting partner. Competitors will take part in eight sports: Athletics; Archery; Wheelchair Basketball; Road Cycling; Indoor Rowing; Wheelchair Rugby; Swimming; and Sitting Volleyball. There will also be a driving challenge as part of the schedule of events for the participants, organised by Jaguar Land Rover.