TEAM UK departed from Birmingham Airport for Canada to compete in the Invictus Games – with uplifting messages of support from sports and TV personalities cheering them on.
The Royal British Legion (RBL) and Ministry of Defence (MOD) took 62 competitors – all veterans and serving personnel who have experienced significant life challenges through military service – to represent the nation.
The team have been supported throughout their recovery journeys and months of training at the RBL’s Battle Back Centre, as they prepare for the Opening Ceremony of the Games tomorrow (Saturday).
Personalities from the worlds of television and sport have sent the team heartfelt good luck messages, including Match of the Day presenters Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman, actor and broadcasters Ross Kemp and Stephen Fry, This Morning host Ben Shephard, Olympic champions Ellie Simmonds, Katherine Grainger and Mark Foster.
They were joined by Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey MP, who said: “I wish Team UK the very best of luck competing at the Invictus Games in Canada over the next two weeks. The Games powerfully show us the bravery of our forces and the way sport can support the recovery of sick and injured military personnel.
“We’re proud of these fierce British competitors and the Government will always stand by those who serve our country, both during and after service. I know the Armed Forces community will be cheering them on from around the world.”
Ross Kemp said: “I just want to wish everyone in Team UK the very best at the Invictus Games and all the support staff who’ll be going along as well – go Team UK!”
Stephen Fry said: “Just sending a message of huge admiration and enthusiasm to all you athletes out there, simply staggering the work you’re doing, the training, the preparation and I wish you all fantastic success and I hope you have a great time in Canada. We’ll be following you, lots of love.”
Team UK competitors told how they have overcome mental and physical challenges to compete in the Games – the first to feature winter sports – using adaptive equipment for skiing and snowboarding, wheelchair rugby and basketball, and sitting volleyball.
Team UK Captain Steve ‘Hoops’ Hooper, an RAF veteran diagnosed with PTSD from his experiences in Iraq before being medically discharged in 2021, said: “There’s something very inspirational about the Invictus Games – being selected for Team UK, even just being part of a team again, for many it’s given them their lives back – a sense of purpose again.
“And that can literally transform lives, your confidence gets such a kick. We’ve been training for months and now the Games are here, and for the first time on snow – bring it on!”
RBL’s Team UK manager Louise Assioun said: “All our competitors have worked so hard to come this far on their personal recovery journey, it’s great to see them actually getting on that plane.
“They’ve been through a lot navigating some pretty complex issues and now they’re going to the Invictus Games to represent their country. What a moment for them in their lives. The Royal British Legion and the MOD have been right by their side supporting Team UK, so for us we’re so proud of them all. These messages will mean so much to the team.”
Being part of Team UK has given some of the competitors the confidence to tell their story for the first time, including Iraq and Afghan war veterans with severe brain injury and PTSD, personnel who have had suicidal thoughts, those who have lost children and comrades to suicide, and military medics traumatised by their frontline experiences.
The Invictus Games will come to Birmingham in 2027.
