Page 83 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

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to be fading in favour of CrossFit derivatives... like BAWF... and something called E Sports? Yep, apparently that’s a thing now! Although confusing to the older generation (which I can’t believe includes me now), sports and competition are changing fast so it will be interesting to see how it all evolves in the future. Despite the struggle, teams were eventually scrambled together and with a bit of good old fashioned grit and determination, sporting successes were achieved. Examples of these were Male Masters Team Winners at the UK Midlands Cross Country Champs, Major Unit Winners at the Brigade Operational Shooting Competition and Major Unit Winners for volleyball at the Brigade Festival of Sports. A highlight to the sporting calendar was being able to officiate and compete at the newly refurbished Alexander Stadium in the Midlands Athletics Championships, which was also a tester event for the Commonwealth Games. Although narrowly missing out on a team podium spot, a healthy amount of individual medals were won and the team thoroughly enjoyed competing at such a high profile event in a truly awesome looking stadium.
As it stands, the Unit is now finally back to some form of normality. Organised PT has actually been well received and people are slowly starting to take more interest in their fitness and health. With some big events on the horizon, like the Lanyard Trophy, Trailwalker and Race the Sun, it’s good to see that the old school endurance events haven’t been totally forgotten about and will be exciting to see how the Unit matches up to the competition. I’ve finally stopped flapping quite so much as I’ve slowly become used to the role. This wouldn’t have been achievable without the help of my fellow RAPTCIs posted at MOD Stafford – SSgts Si “One Speed” Irving and Liam “Harry” Potter. Both seasoned mainstreamers, they’ve been instrumental in calming me down with excessive brew drinking and showing me the ropes with their realistic approach to tackling the demands of the job. To be honest – they’ve pretty much carried me!
BATTLE BACK CENTRE
Sgt (SI) P Gurung RAPTC
The Start of the WM Cross Country Championships
16 Sig Regt Cross-Country Team
The Battle Back Centre (BBC) is located within the glorious grounds of the National Sports Centre, Lilleshall, which provides the ideal environment and back drop for all courses. Funded by the Royal British Legion, delivered by MOD and Carnegie Great Outdoors coaches, providing Adaptive Sport and AT activities for the Wounded, Injured and Sick (WIS) personnel. The Multi Activity Course (MAC) is the primary 5-day package delivered here and includes various activities such as Indoor/ Outdoor Climbing, Wheelchair Basketball, Golf, Archery, Mountain Biking, Bowling and Laser Shooting.
BBC is now operating on 85% capacity with 18 students from across the Tri-Service community attending the MAC course and will hopefully be back up to 24 as soon as restrictions ease. This includes an increase of the Veterans’ MAC to 8 per year, along
with 24 regular serving MACs and 4 sports courses. Each course lasts 5 days, some with more advanced content of the activities mentioned above. Both RAPTC roles within the Centre are the only Regular personnel and I have now been joined by WO2 Ryan Davies. I currently have a unique role which includes working alongside a Technical Advisor on a daily basis and who assists with adaptive activities for the WIS personnel.
RAPTCIs can assist units by signposting WIS and Unit Welfare staff to the MAC. Applications should be submitted directly to BBC Office Manager: Jacqueline.Gunnell681@mod.gov.uk. Further to this, feel free to direct any Veterans that would benefit from a 5-day course of coaching, team activities, camaraderie, free food and accommodation; all applications should be directed to Recovery Operations Assistant Manager: SGreen@britishlegion.org.uk
Biking in the Glorious Shropshire Countryside
Being taught by professional golf coach, Mark Shervill