Updated on
Around 50 veterans will descend on Cardiff University at the weekend (28-29 June) when the Community Sports Series rolls into town. The Community Sports Series is a nationwide event, with regional activities, which allows veterans to come together with other members of the Armed Forces community and participate in a variety of inclusive sports.
The Cardiff ‘leg’ is the third of six this year, following successful events in Liverpool and Inverclyde. Last year, these events engaged more than 260 members of the Armed Forces community in sporting activities, helping them to make new friends and overcome nervousness or anxiety. Some have even attended each event, so beneficial has it been for them.
Cardiff-based Community Sports Coordinator, Gemma Kemble-Stephenson, explained: “It’s a multi-sports taster event like no other. It allows members of the Armed Forces community to connect with like-minded people, and to try some inclusive, fully accessible sports, while enjoying the community and camaraderie that becomes part of an unforgettable experience.
“Many of our participants haven’t participated in sport in a long time – but that’s fine. They take part in as much or as little as they feel able; there’s no pressure and we have a team there to support them with answers to their questions or simply provide encouragement in the individual sports.
“All abilities are welcome and there’s plenty to try your hand at. No matter when, where or how long you served, we welcome all members of the Armed Forces community.”
Last year, more than 250 members of the Armed Forces community took part in our Community Sports Series."
Community Sports Coordinator
Sports available at the Talybont Sports Centre, on the weekend of 28-29 June include accessible cycling, wheelchair basketball, boccia and rowing. Further Community Sports Series events are scheduled later this year for Birmingham, Cornwall, and Northern Ireland.
Gemma, who recently became England’s strongest disabled woman, joined the Army Medical Corps in 1999, aged just 17, but suffered multiple injuries during her service and was medically discharged after 19 years.
"Now, I’m helping other people follow their own route to recovery by working for the Charity. For the Community Sports Series, we provide equipment, accommodation, food, and travel support where necessary, so all we ask of a participant is to bring their competitive edge and a desire to be involved. We’re on hand to help you get involved, whatever your ability and there will be coaches from each sport to guide you.”
This year the Community Sports Series events are being sponsored by Cotton Traders. The British clothing retailer is the UK’s leading military charity’s longest-standing partner raising almost £2 million since 2011.