Veterans’ Event is All About Community Connection

The Help for Heroes Community Sports Series returned to Newtownards last month, with 40 veterans and their family members taking part in a range of inclusive sports over two days.

The Community Sports Series is a UK-wide initiative, and is part of the Charity's community development programme. Over the past 12 months the Charity has supported just over 200 Northern Ireland veterans and their family members. The event on 26 and 27 September at the Ards Blair Mayne Leisure Centre built on the success of the launch event last year.  

The event was open to veterans and their family members. Fiona Wright’s husband Mark is an Army veteran, who served for nine years. Fiona said, “It was a fantastic weekend and wonderful to reconnect with people we met last year. The event was all about community and connection, giving us the opportunity to learn more about what is happening across the veteran community while enjoying a great social atmosphere.

“Taking part in activities such as yoga was particularly meaningful. After a challenging few years with health issues, it was an emotional experience in the best possible way and a reminder to make the most of life. The activities were both physically and emotionally beneficial and were a real highlight of the weekend.

“We also thoroughly enjoyed boccia and are looking forward to getting involved with our local club. The friendly competition brought plenty of laughter and camaraderie, and experiences like these play such an important role in supporting our wellbeing.” 

Newtownards is one of five Community Sports Series events that have taken place across the UK over the past seven months. Veterans have had the chance to try out sports such as wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, archery, boccia, indoor climbing, netball and walking football, with programmes supported by national sporting bodies and local sports clubs. The aim is to encourage participants to find a new sporting interest that can help them with their physical and mental health, as well as their overall wellbeing.

The Newtownards event was supported by Lough Cuan Bowmen Archery Club, Rochester’s Boxing Club, Antrim All Stars Boccia, Bangor Bulls Wheelchair Basketball, Ards Pickleball Club, Scrabo Strollers and Yoga With Jane. 

Gemma Kemble-Stephenson is the Community Sports Co-ordinator for the Charity and said, "We know the power that sport and physical activity has to improve people's wellbeing. It's so rewarding to see the change in people as a result of regaining their self-confidence when they see what they can do, and from mixing with others who are like-minded, at one of our events. The biggest reward for our team is to then see people go on and become involved in their own local sports clubs." 

Councillor Alison Bennington, Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey and the Veterans Champion said, “Being able to attend the Community Sports Series was a really positive experience. What stood out for me was that it was about so much more than sport. It brought members of the Armed Forces Community together in a relaxed and welcoming environment where people could meet others, build friendships, share experiences and simply enjoy being part of something. 

“As a Veterans’ Champion I see firsthand how important opportunities like this can be. They can help people feel connected, valued and supported while also creating opportunities to discover other sources of support and activities within the wider community.”