Prince Harry, Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, unveiled the team yesterday at the Tower of London, announcing 90 athletes selected to represent the UK at the Invictus Games Toronto 2017. The team are proudly supported by Jaguar Land Rover, who are also presenting partners of the Invictus Games Toronto 2017.
Following the official team announcement at the Tower of London, Bremont hosted all competitors at a brunch at Plaisterer’s Hall where Co-Founders Nick and Giles English were on hand to personally present bespoke Bremont bracelets to every member of the UK Invictus team. As well as this, plans are in place to create a special version of the bracelet for the public to buy with proceeds going towards the Invictus Games Foundation helping with their work inspiring recovery, support and rehabilitation.
The 90-strong team of wounded, injured and sick serving military personnel and veterans came together following their selection during trials at the University of Bath in April where more hopefuls than ever before, 306, competed for a place on the UK Team.
Nick English quoted: “We are incredibly fortunate to work very closely with the military and to have the opportunity to honour those who have served our country in this way is something we are very proud to do. The bracelets we are making have actually been handmade by one of Bremont’s own watchmakers who is a qualified jeweller; we hope they will be a lovely reminder of having taken part in the Invictus Games 2017.”
The UK team will compete in 11 sports in Canada this September: Athletics; Archery; Wheelchair Basketball; Cycling; Powerlifting; Indoor Rowing; Wheelchair Rugby; Swimming, Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Tennis and a new sport for 2017, Golf. The team will continue to train for the games in various locations across the country as part of Help for Heroes’ extensive Sports Recovery programme and role to train and develop the team.
Jayne Kavanagh, of Help for Heroes and Chef de Mission for the UK Team, said: “The gift from Bremont is much appreciated and will be a wonderful memento for the athletes to look back fondly on their Invictus Games journey. With more hopefuls than ever before applying to be a part of the Invictus Games in Toronto, and with more than 60% of the 2017 UK Team being brand new to the Games, it is evident that the legacy of 2014 and 2016 is strong. In the UK team, we have 90 individuals who have displayed high levels of passion, teamwork and commitment to using sport as a tool of recovery both during and beyond Invictus. We are very proud to be working alongside them and wish them the best of luck as they embark on their Invictus Games journeys.”
