On this International day of Charity, we have decided to take a look back over our time as an official supporter of TeamUK on their journey to the Invictus Games in The Hague earlier this year. We wanted to share some of the detail from a recently released impact report about how it has helped the veterans involved in the hope it will inspire others.
20 veterans participated in the impact report at the homecoming event in July and 100% of them felt that competing in the Invictus Games would have an impact on their lives beyond the end of the Games. 100% also said they would recommend competing in the Invictus Games to others.
Respondents also stated the following:
Many of the team now have new, exciting plans they are embarking on from joining the GB Para Rowing Team to taking on a marathon in a racing wheelchair whilst other have integrated and maintained changes to their day to day lives which will improve their physical and mental wellbeing long term.
Another great impact of the Invictus Games is the number of participants who are using the experience and knowledge they had gained to support others. Some are already involved in activities such as becoming team coaches for wheelchair rugby and volleyball whilst others are undertaking work to spread the word about the power of the Games.
But what really hits home is the change the participants have been able to see in themselves particularly in relation to their confidence, and outlook with responses such as
- ‘Yes I try new things without saying no before I even attempt.’
- ‘It gave me confidence to try.’
- ‘I feel I can do more than I thought.’
- ‘Because now I know I CAN do things.’
- ‘Opened my eyes again to enjoy life.’
- ‘Keep me focused and motivated to keep fighting the problems.’
We have been deeply humbled and inspired by our involvement with TeamUK and wish them all the very best for the future.