Thirteen Blesma Members have been selected to compete for the UK team at the 2020 Invictus Games, which will be held in The Hague, The Netherlands from 09-16 May.

More than 470 wounded, injured, and sick veterans took part in this year’s first ever Invictus Games UK trials, which were held in Sheffield, with just 65 people being selected to compete in the 2020 team.

In another first, the team will be led by a female captain – Blesma Member and Royal Air Force veteran Rachel Williamson.

“Being selected as part of the 2018 team to compete in Sydney was life-changing and, along with the rest of the team, I am looking forward to being able to represent my country once again,” said Rachel, who will compete in field athletics, rowing, and swimming at next year’s Games.

To be selected as the UK team’s first female captain is truly an honour and I feel immensely proud to have been given this opportunity. I am looking forward to the journey ahead and can’t wait for Team UK to show the world what we are capable of at the Invictus Games 2020."

The 2020 UK team was unveiled by HRH Prince Harry in October. The athletes will go up against 500 competitors from 19 nations across nine sports including athletics, archery, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and sitting volleyball.

“The Invictus Games offers an amazing opportunity for Service men and women to regain a sense of pride, which can be lost following the onset of mental or physical difficulties,” said Rachel. “Sport empowers us to refocus our attention on what we can do, rather than what we can’t.”

Find out more

To find out more about taking part in future Invictus Games events either email ukinvictus@helpforheroes.org.uk or call 01980 844 391