AN ARMY veteran is going for gold at an international sports tournament in the USA.
Born-and-bred Rugbeian Joe Preston is one of just 20 wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans who have been chosen to represent the UK at this year’s Warrior Games in Florida.
He is representing Team UK – supported and delivered by veterans charity Help for Heroes – in wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball and wheelchair rugby, the latter of which is appearing in the tournament for the first time.
The former Royal Logistics Corps supplier said: “Following a leg injury playing rugby, which left me with chronic pain and significant discomfort every day, I was heartbroken to be told I would never be able to play rugby again.
“However, finding wheelchair basketball has reduced my anxiety and depression. It’s given me a purpose again. I found people that understood what it was like living with an injury and I felt at home.
“Competing in the Warrior Games will help build my confidence and self-esteem. I’m really grateful that Help for Heroes have funded my basketball wheelchair as its enabling me to do much more training.”
Help for Heroes’ head of sports recovery Martin Colclough said: “We know how important sport or physical activity can be in an individual’s recovery. Not only does it help physically but it can provide huge mental health benefits too including improving self-confidence and self-esteem.
“The Warrior Games provides our veterans the opportunity to be part of a team again, something the military often miss after suffering a life-changing injury or illness.”
Around 400 competitors representing teams from the US Armed Forces, UK Armed Forces, Canadian Forces and the Australian Defence Force are participating in the 10-day tournament, which ends on Sunday (June 30).
Team UK, which is supported and delivered by Help for Heroes, is competing in 14 adaptive sports – archery, cycling, time-trial cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track, field, wheelchair basketball, indoor rowing, powerlifting, golf, wheelchair tennis and wheelchair rugby.
Members or veterans of the armed forces who are wounded, injured or sick can visit www.helpforheroes.org.uk/get-support for support from the charity.
