AN INJURED army veteran from Rugby is preparing to represent Team UK at Warrior Games in Florida.
Former Royal Logistics Corps supplier Joe Preston is just one of 20 wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans who have been chosen to represent the UK at this year’s Warrior Games.
The Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games takes place from June 21 to 30 in Tampa Bay. Approximately 400 competitors
representing military teams from Britain, the USA, Canada and Australia will participate in the competition
Joe, who was born and still lives in Rugby, is competing in wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and sitting volleyball.
He 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.”
Team UK, which is supported by Help for Heroes, will take part 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.
Martin Colclough, head of sports recovery at Help for Heroes, 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. It’s great that this year we have three former competitors who have since taken coaching qualifications to enable them to support their peers in their recovery journey. Their insight will be so valuable for the competitors this year.”
