2nd June 2014

2^nd June - Competitors who are hoping to take part in the Invictus Games, the international sports event for ‘wounded warriors’ launched by Prince Harry and coming to London, today have only 100 days of intensive training left before the Opening Ceremony on 10 September.

Between now and September, injured and sick Servicemen and women, both serving and veterans from the 14 participating nations will be taking part in hundreds of hours of selection and training events for all nine sports in the hope of representing their country in the inaugural Invictus Games, presented by Jaguar Land Rover.

These training events will combine extensive training and competition opportunities to enable participants to best prepare for competing on an international stage. In addition, those hoping to compete will be organising their own individual training programmes to ensure they are as prepared as possible for the selection events.

Amongst those hoping to be selected for the British Armed Forces team is Mickaela Richards. Following a car crash, she sustained a brain injury, right hip damage and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Mickaela explains: “It took me months to realise the extent and impact of my injuries. I’d reached rock bottom and I wasn’t looking for a way up. I thought my life was over until another injured person showed me that there can be life after injury and that I could compete in sport.

“With 100 days to go, there is a real buzz around the Invictus Games. Those hoping to compete are bonding to showcase what the Armed Forces are capable of, despite any injury. I’m currently training four days a week and fitting in as many sessions as I can. I really want to be a part of the Invictus Games and will be fighting for my space!”

Dave Henson is also fighting for his place in the Invictus Games team. In 2011, Dave was out clearing a compound in Helmand Province when he stood on an IED. He lost both legs above the knee and also suffered blast wounds on his thighs and arms.

He explains: “Having competed in the Warrior Games last year, it would be an honour to be a part of the British Armed Forces team on home soil. I’m hungry for a space and not leaving anything to chance. I currently train twice a day during the week, doing a mixture of strength and track training, as well as road running to build muscle memory on the blades. I’ve only got 100 days left to train and I’m going to give it my best shot!”

Danni Hampson-Carroll is hoping to compete in the Sitting Volleyball events. After years of mis-diagnosis, she was finally told she had a disabling neurological problem. Taking part in activities and sport has helped her slowly start to feel like herself again.

She explains: “The Invictus Games is clearly so much more than meets the eye.  I believe it is not just about the competition, it is also about the journey along the way which involves dedication, commitment and a whole host of personal challenges to reach the stage of selection.

Another hopeful for the British Armed Forces team is Susan Cook. She left foster care at 18 and joined the Army the same year. Having been injured in 2009, Susan was spurred on by a comment from Tanni Grey-Thompson and started getting involved in disability sport.

She explains: “Sport has given me a new focus, a reason to get up in the morning and a determination to do something with my life. Sport is the reason I'm proud of who I've become because without it I wouldn't have had a reason to keep going. The exhilaration after an hours hard work or the numbness after a race all make me feel alive and it makes me happy no matter what else is going on. It has recovered my mind even though my body struggles through every day.‎”

Prince Harry said: “I’d like to wish the hundreds of Servicemen and women who have put their names forward for the Invictus Games the best of luck for the next 100 days. All the training and preparation will be worth it when they're competing in front of the cheering crowds. I am looking forward to seeing them compete in September.”

Invictus is Latin for unconquered, a word that embodies the fighting spirit of wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women and what they can achieve, post-injury.  The Invictus Games are a unique chance for the public to celebrate this ‘invictus spirit’ through sporting achievement, at venues made famous by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  Tickets for the event are currently on sale at www.invictusgames.org and cost £12.85.

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.  The event will feature nine adaptive sports at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Lee Valley Athletics Centre, with a competitive driving challenge organised by Jaguar Land Rover.