The band of wounded heroes selected to compete for Britain at the Sydney 2018 Invictus Games today told of their pride at representing their country, saying: “We’re doing this for Harry.”
The 72 soldiers and veterans were joined by Theresa May at Horse Guards Parade for the team’s official launch this morning. Prince Harry, who served in the Army for 10 years, founded the games in 2014 for wounded and sick military personnel.
He and Meghan Markle, who were pictured together for the first time at the opening ceremony of last year’s event in Toronto, watched hopefuls compete for places last month.
They will attend the games in October in one of their first overseas tours as a married couple.
David Atkin, 28, from East Putney, who was medically discharged from the RAF after being injured in Afghanistan in 2010, will compete in rowing, shot put, discus and powerlifting.
He said: “Harry’s one of the lads at the end of the day. It’s such a fantastic thing to set up. I am so grateful.
“The camaraderie between everyone and the excitement around the whole thing... it’s going to be a once in a lifetime experience. I’m going out to represent the UK but this is also for me to show to myself that haven’t let my injury beat me.”
Lance Corporal Richard Gamble from Kent, whose nine-year career in the Royal Engineers was cut short after a diagnosis of compartment syndrome in his legs, will compete in swimming.
He said: “This is Harry’s baby. If it wasn’t for him pushing this forward we wouldn’t be here so huge credit to his royal highness.
“My condition ended my career and I still need to have major surgery on my legs. Last year I was in a bad place after leaving the Army.
“I needed to get focused and get a goal back in my life.
“That’s what Invictus has done — it’s given me a focus, a goal and the sense of brotherhood. It’s an honour to be representing your country again.”
The Prime Minister posed with the athletes for the first official team photograph and wished them luck.
The team will compete in 11 sports including athletics, wheelchair rugby, swimming and sailing.
