HEALTH &WELLBEING GAMES
LOOKING BACKON THE INVICTUS
RAF Rowing Association.
The 2016 Invictus Games were held in Orlando, Florida at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex from
8to12May.The Royal British Legion looks back on the part the organisation played, sharing acouple of RAF stories.
The UK delegation to the 2016 Invictus Games was delivered by apartnership comprising The Ministry of Defence, Help for Heroes, and The Royal British Legion.
The Legion specifically supported the friends and families of the 2016 UK Team as part of its work to recognise the vital and valuable contribution that family and friends make to the recovery of wounded, injured or sick Service personnel and veterans. The Legion’s support ensured that every participant could enjoy the support of their loved ones out in Orlando.
One such individual is Nikki Flood. Nikki, 23, is the partner of former SACLuke Wigman, 29, and they live in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. Luke took part in the Invictus Games in both 2014 and 2016, having been seriously injured in an IED explosion in Afghanistan in 2011.
He represented his country in the London Invictus Games in 2014, winning the 1500m gold medal, and in the Orlando Invictus Games, where he retained his gold 1500m title, as well as bringing home bronze in the 400m.
Nikki clearly remembers the first time she met Luke. It was one week after the 2014 Invictus Games and he was wearing his ambulance uniform with his gold medal around his neck. Both Nikki and Luke work for the East Midlands Ambulance Service; Nikki is
raf-ff.org.uk
aparamedic and Luke is an Emergency Care Assistant.
Nikki and her Dad Richard both went out to Orlando to cheer on Luke. Following the 2016 Invictus Games, Nikki said: “The Invictus Games in Orlando was one of the most amazing experiences we have ever had. The comradery and atmosphere of the whole games was just incredible. Being able to meet other families was truly inspiring and it was fantastic to see how much we were all appreciated and rewarded throughout. We can’t thank the Legion and everyone else involved enough, for all their non stop hard work and allowing us to be part of this brilliant event.”
Another supporter out in Orlando was Ann Phillips, 76, mother of Andy Phillips, 50, aformer Junior Technician. Andy won agold medal in the 2014 Invictus Games for archery and abronze in the 2016 Invictus Games. Ann went out to Orlando with her grandson John.
On her return to the UK, Ann said: “The Invictus Games in Orlando 2016 was another memorable experience. From the moment we arrived in Manchester airport until the moment we arrived back we were very well looked after &helped, especially by the Legion Staff.
“It was fantastic in Orlando to see all the athletes walking around in shorts & Tshirts, all the nations and religions mingling happily and peacefully-and the competitors not worrying about their scars, missing limbs &prosthetics being visible. The best thing at the games is the informality,the family atmosphere &the way everyone is cheered until they finish their event. Roll on Toronto!”
britishlegion.org.uk Autumn 2016 35
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