Page 35 - QARANC Vol 14 No 10 2015

Sports Personality of the Year Awards 2014
After the hype and excitement of the Invictus Games, Pride of Britain awards and visit to 10 Downing Street, I was over whelmed at being asked to attend the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award ceremony (SPOTYS).
The organisers of the Invictus games chose a small section of competitors from around the world to represent all the participating Nations of the Invictus Games and as a competitor of the Invictus Games we were to be awarded with the Helen Rollason award. This award was to recognise determination and strength in the face of adversity, in memory of the BBC presenter who had died 15 years ago at the age of 43 after suffering from cancer. This year the award will celebrate the outstanding achievements of all the Invictus Games competitors, who had shown unwavering resilience and passion and also for competing in this inspirational event
The whole experience was just magical and to be called on stage by Gary Lineker and Clare Balding with 12,000 people giving us a standing ovation, including Lewis Hamilton, Sir Chris Hoy and Rory Mcilroy, was beyond belief. Prince Harry also made an emotional speech, which was the icing on the cake.
What a wonderful year!
Mary Wilson Ex SSgt
THE GAZETTE QARANC 33