Pathfinder International Magazine – the leading UK Military Resettlement Magazine

Category: Sport

News about services and inter-services sports, matches, games and physical activities.

  • Covenant Fund Partners With Invictus Trials

    Covenant Fund Partners With Invictus Trials

    The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust has made a grant of £300,000 to support wounded, injured and sick Veterans and Service Personnel taking part in the Invictus UK Trials in Sheffield from 22nd to 26th July…

    Delivered by Invictus UK, a partnership between Help for Heroes, the Ministry of Defence and The Royal British Legion, the unique event will see almost 400 wounded, injured and sick Veterans and Service Personnel take part in up to nine adaptive sports, as part of their ongoing recovery from life-changing injuries and illnesses.

    The Trust makes grants that support the Armed Forces community and their grant to the Trials will benefit hundreds of wounded Veterans and Service Personnel who use sport as part of their recovery.

    Melloney Poole, Chief Executive of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust said: “We are delighted to make this important grant to support the recovery of Veterans and serving personnel through sport. Opportunities for Veterans to access a wide range of activities that can aid their recovery is vital. With the launch of the Positive Pathways Programme, these opportunities will increase, ensuring more Veterans benefit from improved mental health and wellbeing by getting out and active as part of a worthwhile project.”

    Those who compete in the Trials can put themselves forward for consideration to become part of Team UK for the Invictus Games The Hague 2020. Selection in the UK is based on potential recovery benefit, attitude and commitment as well as performance. All competitors, whether selected to represent the UK at the Invictus Games or not, will be offered the opportunity to represent Team UK in different ways, at other sporting events or in local clubs.

    Martin Colclough, Chef de Mission for Invictus UK and Head of Sports Recovery at Help for Heroes, said: “We are very grateful to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for their generous grant, which enables us to support so many wounded Veterans and Service Personnel in rediscovering a sense of purpose. Through the power of sport, the Invictus UK Trials will be a life-changing experience for so many on their recovery journeys.”

    In addition to the sport which is being supported by the Trust, there will be numerous other events taking place in Sheffield during the week of the Invictus UK Trials, such as performances of Soldier On, a photography exhibition, The Big Gig opening concert, a jobs fair and numerous other supporting activities. All this is designed to provide a holistic approach to recovery and to showcase the incredible potential of those who are living with complex injuries and illnesses.

    The Trust runs the Positive Pathways Programme, where Armed Forces charities can access grants of up to £70,000. Part of the Veterans’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, the Positive Pathways Programme funds projects that develop and run activities that support the mental health and wellbeing of ex-Forces. Whether sports, heritage or getting outdoors, projects should be active, and activity based.

     

  • Ex-Para Takes To The Hills

    Ex-Para Takes To The Hills

    Veteran Garry Booth is on a mission to help those who served in the armed forces get back on their feet by raising £2,000 in a gruelling 15 mile hill run on Armed Forces Day…

    Garry is being helped to recover from his frontline experiences by the charity FirstLight Trust who run a support hub in Hawick for veterans.

    “I want to conquer the three peaks of the Eildon Hills on Saturday 29 June, Armed Forces Day,” Garry explains. “I’ll be carrying an 80lb pack across 15 miles of uneven terrain. I won’t be training for the event or researching the route. This replicates how it would be on operations where you can’t predict what’s going to happen.”

    Garry served in the military for 23 years in the regular army and reserves. He was posted on operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan and the Falklands. He now works for a local scaffolding company, while still serving with 4 Paras, a Territorial Army unit based in Edinburgh.

    “Garry is one of around 30 local veterans we see regularly at our FirstLight Trust hub in Hawick,” explains the charity’s Scottish Regional Coordinator David Murray. “Many have adjustment issues as they have known nothing other than the military as adults.

    “We are so proud of Garry for arranging this challenge. We hope people will support his efforts. He’s not just raising funds but also in raising awareness of the issues facing veterans here in the Borders and further afield.”

    The Hawick hub was the charity’s first Scottish hub, opening in July 2018. It includes a coffee bar area to give veterans a place to relax, have a chat or get some support in an informal environment. It is also open to the public who can enjoy home-made cakes and hot drinks and treats. There are five more in England, and the charity hope to open more hubs in Scotland.

    “I want to raise as much money as I can for FirstLight Trust who have been so supportive in the last few months.” Garry says. “After the hardships of army life, the rolling Eildon Hills will hopefully be like a walk in the park!”

    Donations can be made to Garry’s fundraising campaign online here.

     

  • Double Amputee Returns To The Desert

    Double Amputee Returns To The Desert

    The first-ever man to accomplish the extraordinary achievement of completing the “World’s Toughest Footrace”, the Marathon des Sables, on two prosthetic legs is back for more to mark a special anniversary…

    July 2020 will mark a decade since Duncan Slater had both legs amputated in the wake of his vehicle being blown up by an IED in Afghanistan – and in April 2020 he will be once again joining Walking With The Wounded’s team of fundraisers in Morocco to prove that any obstacle can be overcome and raise funds to support those who served.

    “It will be 10 years since my amputation so I wanted to go and revisit the hardest thing I’ve done and with it the opportunity to raise the greatest amount of money,” said Duncan who completed the Marathon des Sables (MDS) in 2017 at his second attempt.

    He’ll line up with the WWTW team once more alongside his friend Chris ‘Paddy’ Moore who was serving alongside Duncan when Duncan’s vehicle hit the IED and who helped Duncan into the helicopter and in 2017 was by his side again to help him complete the MDS.

    The 156-mile, 6-day race had been on Duncan’s radar before he was wounded because of it’s challenge – both physical and mental. “I first saw the MDS when Ben Fogle did it (in 2004) and that sparked my interest,” said Duncan. “It just looked nails. I had been in and out of (military) ops to the desert and knew how hot it was and I liked the way he attacked it. It looked difficult and a real test.”

    Being back in the desert for a third time will bring some advantages – Duncan’s pack was significantly lighter on his second attempt. But completing anything in 50 degree heat, across sand dunes and rocky ‘jebels’ presents unique challenges on every attempt: “It is difficult every time but a completely different experience. You never know what it’s going to throw up, what the MDS is going to bring, that’s the mystique. It is awesome.”

    Duncan will be part of a team of 24 runners from Walking With The Wounded, including CEO Ed Parker and ex England, Chelsea and Manchester City footballer Wayne Bridge to raise funds for those who served.

    Donate to Duncan’s efforts here.

     

  • Introducing ‘Operation Bletchley’

    Introducing ‘Operation Bletchley’

    Operation Bletchley is a brand new virtual codebreaking challenge for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and you can take part from anywhere in the world using your phone or fitness tracker…

    It’s 1941 and the United Kingdom is in terrible danger. Luftwaffe bombs are raining down on towns and cities across the nation. The Royal Air Force guards the skies and the Navy protects the seas, but the threat of invasion has never been higher. German spies could destroy our telephone network at any moment, so the Home Guard is tightening up security around the capital.

    We need you to help us secure a new line of communication from Bletchley Park to the Cabinet War Rooms in London. Can you cover the 50 mile route, on foot, throughout the month of July, cracking the codes as you go? With three levels to chose from, junior codebreaker, codebreaker or cypher expert, can you figure out the code and deliver the message before it’s too late?

    Can you get inside the minds of the great historical code breakers, rack up the miles on foot, deliver the final message to Winston Churchill and complete your mission by the 31st July?

    Learn more and register for Operation Bletchley here.

     

  • Oardacious Boat Unveiling Ceremony

    Oardacious Boat Unveiling Ceremony

    Join in the fun on board HMS Victory at HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, for a unique evening to meet the HMS Oardacious team – four serving Royal Navy Submariners who will row unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean this December…

    BySea, in partnership with The National Museum of the Royal Navy, is proud to be hosting this event in support of HMS Oardacious. As part of the experience, you will witness the unveiling of the new ocean rowing boat, complete a guided tour of HMS Victory and enjoy a drinks reception on board Nelson’s iconic Flagship.

    Profits from the event will be evenly distributed between HMS Oardacious and BySea – donating to their respective charities The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and international maritime charity Sailors’ Society.

    The event is strictly limited to 120 available tickets and will be distributed on a first come first served basis. Purchase your ticket now at HMS Oardacious Boat Launch.

     

  • Army Man Has Everest In His Sights

    Army Man Has Everest In His Sights

    Major Andy Wilson, from Hampshire, will be attempting to climb to Everest Base Camp this October to raise vital funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, after they helped him adopt his two children, Aaron and Ruby…

    Andy said: “In 2010, my wife and I found out that we would be unable to have children naturally. Over a few long months, we decided that rather than look at medical options, we would try to adopt.

    “As I am in the Army and was based in Germany at the time, it was a difficult process. But thanks to the amazing support from SSAFA, we were blessed with the adoption of our beautiful two children.”

    Andy has an ambitious fundraising target of £5,000, with proceeds going towards SSAFA. He’s confident that he will achieve his target with upcoming fundraising activities, including a charity Golf Day and Skittles night.

    He said: “I’ve got a long way to go but am confident that I will complete the 12-day trek from Lukla up to Everest Base Camp and back again in October. The trek should see me reach altitudes of over 5,500 metres and I’ll be trekking around 8 hours a day.”

    Sports clothing company, Legend Sport, will be providing Andy with clothing for his expedition in October. If you would like to support Andy on his trek this October, click here.

     

  • RAF Duo Smash Snooker World Record

    RAF Duo Smash Snooker World Record

    A pair of snooker lovers are taking a well-earned break after playing the longest game of snooker ever recorded, all to raise money for Royal Air Forces Association…

    Sergeant Chris Bullen and Corporal Joel Pickersgill broke the world record for the longest snooker match at the RAF Association’s Gateway Club in Newark, Nottinghamshire, playing continuously for 87 hours and 33 minutes. The two friends, who met at RAF Odiham eight years ago and bonded over their love for the game, started playing on Wednesday 5 June at 10am and did not stop until 1.33am on Sunday 9 June.

    Joel emerged victorious, beating his friend by 118 games to 48. The previous record for the longest snooker singles marathon was 85 hours, 19 minute and four seconds. Joel said: “This was without a doubt the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, but it was something I planned to do for years, and it’s a great feeling being a record breaker. All the money raised will go to the RAF Association, the charity that supports wellbeing of the RAF family, and they kindly allowed us to play our marathon upstairs at their Gateway Club, and dozens of volunteers helped adjudicate the match and organise.”

    Over the course of the marathon session, the pair played 166 consecutive frames, potting more than 7,000 balls. The Guinness World Record rules allowed Chris and Joel a five minute break every hour, and these were accrued to give them precious nap breaks.

    Chris said: “We had originally planned to play for 100 hours, but after nearly four days of non-stop play and after breaking the 85 hour record, we were both exhausted and decided to call it a night. I have colleagues and friends who were helped by the RAF Association, so we wanted to give something back to the charity. The local branch and club has been extremely supportive, and we’d like to personally thank everybody who helped with our challenge.”

    Bob MacRae, Chairman of the RAF Association Newark and District Branch, said: “Chris and Joel’s superhuman efforts are hugely appreciated. We’re thrilled that our members and associated volunteers could help them to make a little bit of history here using our snooker table.”

     

  • Marines Swoop On Passenger Ferry

    Marines Swoop On Passenger Ferry

    Royal Marines stormed a passenger ferry packed with holidaymakers as they rehearsed boarding drills in the Channel. Using high-speed boats and their specialist climbing equipment, commandos deftly clambered aboard Brittany Ferries’ Armorique, ten miles off the south coast…

    The green berets of 539 Assault Squadron and 42 Commando swooped on the Plymouth-bound ship as she came over the horizon on her journey from Roscoff in north-western France. In rough seas, the commandos sped behind of the 29,469-tonne Armorique, as passengers crowded the upper decks to watch.

    They saw 16 specialist troops from 42 Commando – the Royal Marines’ Maritime Operations Unit, based at Bickleigh Barracks on the northern edge of Plymouth – make their daring ascent of the nine-deck ferry in notoriously difficult conditions.

    With coxswains from 539 Assault Squadron piloting three fast craft, the marines made the audacious climb by cable ladder to the upper decks of the ferry, all while cutting through the water at around 25mph.

    “The Royal Marines are one of only a few forces in the UK trained to conduct this sort of Operation, so it is vital we do this training regularly, under the most arduous conditions possible,” said Captain Jack Denniss of 539 Assault Squadron.

    “42 Commando’s J Company is unique in that it is trained to conduct ‘level three’ boarding operations, which is to say that your access to a target vessel is opposed; through either manoeuvre, obstacles, force, or all of the above.

    “During this sort of boarding, the point of greatest vulnerability can often be the embarkation. In fact, achieving access to a fast-moving vessel is in some cases more dangerous than the enemy protecting it. Success in such an endeavour requires rigorous training, courage and importantly, an expert coxswain who can stand up to the conditions.”

    539 Assault Squadron are the ‘punch’ of 1 Assault Group – based at Royal Marines Tamar in Devonport Naval Base in Plymouth. As the Royal Marines’ specialists in amphibious raids, riverine operations and maritime interdiction, the landing craftsman of 539 stand ready to ensure that J Company can reach their target and achieve their task.

     

  • Kiltwalkers Raise Over £12k

    Kiltwalkers Raise Over £12k

    Glasgow Kiltwalkers have raised £12,103 for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, with the money going directly to local SSAFA branches, including Glasgow and Dunbartonshire, to help them continue to provide practical, emotional and financial support to the Armed Forces community in need…

    The Kiltwalk events are run in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh and participants can choose from a 26, 15 or 5 mile walk to raise money for their local SSAFA branch.  From the money raised, the Hunter Foundation will add an extra 40% to help SSAFA branches provide more support to veterans and their families in their time of need.

    Many Glasgow locals took part in the fundraiser to raise funds for SSAFA, including a group of five ex-Scottish Division officers who raised £5,000 of the overall £12,000 raised. John Williamson, one of the ex-Scottish Division officers, said: 

    “We are very pleased to have reached our £5,000 target. We are all friends and had worked together in the army – we saw this as a great way to catch up, have fun and do something positive. SSAFA volunteers are truly heroes. They are the unseen swan’s legs working under the water that allows so many military charities to glide gracefully forward. They are brilliant and they deserve our support”.

    Alison Sturgeon, a SSAFA beneficiary, also took part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk. Alison’s son, Jack, suffers with autism and a learning disorder. After leaving school, Jack’s needs became more complex and he struggled to cope with the change, at one point he had to be hospitalised. SSAFA Dunbartonshire were able to secure £18,000 of funding for an extension to Alison’s home that enabled Jack to have his own space where he could relax.

    Alison said: “We are indebted to SSAFA for all their patience and generosity in finally giving Jack the adapted space that he needed, and it has had a hugely positive effect on all our lives. We would have had to give up if they hadn’t stuck with us. I wanted to raise awareness and funds for SSAFA to thank them properly for the amazing work that they have done”. 

  • Take On The Army & Navy At Pangbourne

    Take On The Army & Navy At Pangbourne

    On Thursday 26th September, The Royal Berkshire Shooting School at Pangbourne will play host to the annual Combat Stress clay shoot…

    Whether you are a seasoned shot or complete novice, this is an unforgettable day to share with friends, colleagues or clients. Compete against teams representing the British Army and Royal Navy for the coveted ‘Top Team’ prize, or perhaps you have your sights set on the popular ‘Clay Conservationist’ team award!

    Whatever your shooting skill, this is a fantastic day of networking, shooting and fundraising. This event will help raise funds to support the vital treatment we provide to veterans with mental health problems.

    Tickets:

    Team of Four: £1,300*

    Solo Gun: £375*

    Lunch only: £90

    *All tickets include breakfast, elevenses, a champagne reception and three-course lunch with wine. Guns and tuition are also included as required, as well as all cartridges and clays.

    If you have any questions regarding the event or would like to book tickets please contact Sue Thornton, Events Officer, via sue.thornton@combatstress.org.uk or call 01372 587148.