Page 11 - QARANC Vol 15 No 1 2017

Ex BAJAN VIKING Sports Tour Barbados
Background
• The Run Barbados Marathon Weekend is an AIMS-IAAF endorsed international running event that caters for novices through to international athletes. For the unit team it comprised of three events: a 1 Mile Sprint, a 10km Race and a Half Marathon completed over an intense 36 hour period.
• 22 Field Hospital entered a mixed ability team of 13 personnel, selected by the Commanding Officer for their commitment to unit sport, particularly cross country, orienteering and half marathon events over the year.
• Planning commenced in February 2016 by the FSA, including the organisation of travel, accommodation, fundraising, and diplomatic clearances and authority.
• By utilising the ASL, Berlin Trust Foundation, Corps Associations, ECOPF and PRI, the tour was delivered at low cost to the individuals,
Aim
• To enable personal and physical development through the medium of sporting achievement and deliver team cohesion in a unique environment.
• To give talented unit athletes experience of international races, in preparation for further Corps and Army team selection, and national level masters athletics representation in 2017.
Headline Points
• LCpl Vickers: 1st female, 9th overall in the Signia Mile Sprint, and is now classed as an international athlete.
• Maj Hayes: 1st Master in the Mile Sprint and 5km race and is now classed as an international athlete.
• The healthy competition within unit to gain a place on the tour led to an improvement in overall unit fitness and developed the physical training culture.
• The event demonstrated what can be achieved in support of the moral component in an austere financial environment.
Timeline
THE GAZETTE QARANC 9
28 November 16
Deploy to Barbados 0600hrs arrive 1500hrs
29 November 16 – 07 December 16
Conduct: Acclimatisation training, event participation and post race recovery training – mandated runs, sea swimming, physiotherapy + personal training.
08 December 16
Recover to Keogh Barracks from Barbados. Arrive 0800hrs.
Participants
SSgt Edwards AGC FSA (Exped Leader and Event Organiser) Lt Col Winder QARANC CO (Deployed 01-05 December 2016) Maj Hayes RAMC QM (Team Coach)
Capt Game RAMC Trg Offr
Capt Knox RAMC (Team Physiotherapist) WO1 (RSM) Hoines RAMC
WO2 Granville RAMC UWWO
Sgt Armour RAMC BMS
Sgt Bruce RAMC CMT1
LCpl Vickers RAMC CMT1 (PTI) Pte Dickson RAMC CMT1
Pte Gibb RAMC CMT1
Pte Kimsey RAMC CMT2
SSgt R Edwards AGC (SPS)
Many thanks to the undermentioned charities and contributors. Without your help, this event would never have been possible:
• Army Sports Lottery
• Berlin Trust Fund
• Tersel
• RAMC – Corps Funds
• QARANC – Corps Funds
• AGC (SPS) – Corps Funds
• 22 Field Hospital PRI and ECOPF
This event was more than worthwhile, with 2 of our participants gaining podium places in INTERNATIONAL races. This event was a very large boost for unit morale and all participants increased their fitness and PB. We now look forward to 2017 where we will be competing in the Army Cross Country Championships, RAMC Orienteering competitions, Corps and Army Athletics as well.