Since Battle Back launched in 2007, the initiative has continued to expand and offer a wide variety of choice for wounded soldiers to participate in while rehabilitating.
When first faced with the reality of a disability, many individuals experience a loss of confidence, depression, and believe that their active lives have ended. The sudden, traumatic change in physical ability makes them vulnerable to psychological and emotional stress which can alienate them from their friends and family.
Battle Back offers the chance for wounded soldiers to re-build their confidence and develop new active skills which will aid them through the latter stages of rehabilitation. The use of sport or outdoor activities has a proven track record to aid successful physical and psychological rehabilitation, providing the foundation for a positive self-image and outlook on life.
 Flying Scholarships for 2010 Reach for the Sky will be awarding at least two flying scholarship places in 2010 to a disabled Serviceman or woman. Read More |
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 Sub-Aqua and Deptherapy Training Battle Back are taking Servicemen and women on courses in the US, in association with the US charity Deptherapy. Help for Heroes assists with top-up funding. |
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In March 2009, Battle Back took nine amputees and three spinally injured servicemen and women on a pioneering 'Adaptive Skiing' exercise in Bavaria. The exercise highlights just how much can be achieved following significant traumatic injury and aids 'normalisation' by training the soldiers alongside able-bodied students. |
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Kayaking can be relaxing, challenging, fun and social. The motion of paddling burns approximatley 400 calories an hour and tones back, chest, stomach and arm muscles. It is believed to reduce stress and also provides the grounding for a new hobby, as the basic skills can be picked up in a day or two. |
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Sailing builds aerobic fitness, cardiovascular fitness, and anaerobic capacity. Poor flexibility and endurance means muscles have to work harder to overcome resistance, and sailing encourages flexibility and agility. Therefore it is perfect for building wounded soldiers' strength and mucsle endurance for other activities and training. |
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In 2009, six Battle Back participants were picked to develop their sporting abilities at a US Military Paralympic Sports Camp in San Diego, USA. Among the six soldiers was Derek Derenalagi, who has since set a new British record of 11.2m for seated shot put. Many Battle Back participants are also now training for the 2012 Paralympic Games.
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Mental and physical preparation are key when attempting white water rafting. A warm-up, awareness of fitness level and a positive attitude are essential training and the sport encourages our wounded soldiers to be aware of their environment while attempting a thrilling, enduring workout. |
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Following on from the successful recreational water skiing programme started by Battle Back in 2008, the first Military Disabled Water Skiing Championships were held on the 25th and 26th July. The event consisted of a training day on the 24th followed by a novice and open competition on the 25th. It is hoped that it will become an annual event in the Battle Back sports calendar. |
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Many athletes are now participating in competitive sport as a direct result of the successful partnership between ParalympicsGB, the Paralympic sports and Battle Back. ParalympicsGB organised a Talent ID day in September 09 and we believe that the Battle Back sports programmes will go from strength to strength through to 2010 and beyond. |
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