Page 140 - Mind, Body & Spirit Number 104 2020/21

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Sgt Bramley - Ski Instructor for BATUS
BATUS Wksp after Orange v Black Oilers Derby
Group exercising activities are still banned in Canada however, limitations are likely to be lifted at the end of March, where I can start to re-introduce movement patterns and functional movement sessions, which in turn will lead in to a 6-week reconditioning PT programme.
With the lack of sports taking place I was surprised to be approached by the England Netball team to run a few Zoom fitness sessions for their younger squad players. The circuit was based on conducting exercises that were both relevant for keeping soldiers and netballers conditioned. In September the BATUS Hockey league was up and running and back in full swing. Sadly, this was only short lived due to indoor sports restrictions coming back into place in November. This didn’t stop us getting a Black vs Orange Oilers derby in, which resulted in a win to the Orange Oiler.
AT continues to take place in BATUS and Trails End Camp remains a base in the Canadian Rockies. Suitably qualified permanent staff and locally employed civilians are used to instruct soldiers on skiing and ice climbing courses. This has been a great opportunity for the soldiers to take part in these activities and restore a bit of normality back in their lives.
Serving members in both BATUS and the Canadian Armed Forces have been keeping busy through the summer months with an array of activities. The unit have hosted a Canada vs United Kingdom Ryder Cup, to which the UK came out champions and an array of charity cycling events to raise money for Veterans in Action, SSAFA Canada and Conker Cancer.
Despite the tightening of restrictions, I was able to adapt and facilitate rehabilitation for the duration of the lockdown period. The lack of exercising troops also enabled the permanent staff to carry out their rehabilitation programmes. I hope that when the unit returns to structured PT, that these soldiers will be able to join back in with a 6-week level 2 programme. This will also then enable all current level 2 serving personnel to progress to level 3 whilst increasing the units deployability statistics.
I have been privileged to have been given the opportunity to have served here in BATUS even during these challenging COVID times. I look forward to an easing of restrictions and a summer filled with sport and physical training. BATUS, it has been a pleasure.