Prince Harry to Visit Bath with Invictus Games
University of Bath Sports Training Village
Friday 7th April 2017
Prince Harry, Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, will attend the UK team trials for the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 at the University of Bath Sports Training Village on Friday 7th April. Prior to the trials His Royal Highness will see the work being undertaken at the university by the RFU Injured Players Foundation, of which Prince Harry is Patron.
The RFU Injured Players Foundation gives support to rugby union players who have suffered a catastrophic spinal cord or traumatic brain injury, which has resulted in permanent disability whilst playing rugby in England, at any level and at any age. This support is available to help players through recovery, rehabilitation, and for the rest of their life. Researchers at the University of Bath have been working with the RFU Injured Players Foundation and the RFU for over 10 years to understand the risk of injury in rugby and to find strategies to reduce this risk.
Prince Harry will see the laboratory-based work of a current study which looks at understanding the demands of the rugby tackle, and how risk of injury can be reduced or averted. His Royal Highness will watch a live demonstration as a player tackles a moving tackle bag from varying angles, and will see the potential outcomes of what can happen when a tackle goes wrong. Prince Harry will also hear about how research such as this has been recently used to bring about real changes within rugby union through the World Rugby Biomechanics of the Rugby Scrum project. In 2014, this joint project between the university and the RFU looked at the risks associated with engagement of the scrum, and resulted in a global change to rugby union laws.
Following this visit His Royal Highness will move to the Athletics field to join the UK team trials for the Invictus Games Toronto 2017. The Invictus Games is the only international sport event for wounded, injured and sick (WIS) Servicemen and women, both serving and veteran. The Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect of all those who serve their country. Toronto is the third city to host the Invictus Games, after London in 2014 and Orlando 2016. The Invictus Games Toronto 2017 will take place from 23rd – 30th September and will see over 550 competitors from 17 nations compete in 12 adaptive sports.
The UK team trials, which are being run by Help for Heroes with support from the Ministry of Defence and The Royal British Legion, will be hosted at the University of Bath over four days. They will see around 300 WIS military personnel and veterans compete across 11 sports for one of the 90 places available on the UK team.
Prince Harry will meet and support Invictus Games hopefuls as they try out on the athletics track and field, as well as meeting those taking part in the indoor rowing trials. During his visit His Royal Highness will also deliver a short speech to all competitors wishing them luck in the selection process for the forthcoming Games.
For more information on the Invictus Games Toronto 2017, visit www.invictusgames2017.com
For more information on the RFU Injured Players Foundation, visit http://www.rfuipf.org.uk/
To learn more about the Invictus Games, why not get your copy of Royal Life issue 13 which features all the action from the Invictus Games, London in 2014. Highlights from the Orlando 2016 Invictus Games can be found in issue 23 of Royal Life.
