Help for Heroes open new sports facility at recovery centre
22nd October 2012
Help for Heroes have opened a new state-of-the-art facility at their flagship recovery centre in Tedworth House, Wiltshire.
The new facilities include a SwimEx – an adjustable multi-depth pool with a variable flow of water which includes treadmill simulator which allows the user to begin walking or running in a limited weight-bearing environment.
Sport is a key part of the recovery process for our wounded; it enables an individual to focus on what they can achieve, rather than what they can’t.
Sport is often the first step on the pathway of recovery and gives someone confidence and independence to someone who has suffered a life-changing injury.
Martin Colclough, Head of Sports Recovery at Help for Heroes, said: “We have seen sport at its very best during the Paralympic Games in 2012 and have witnessed first-hand how this has changed public perceptions about disability.
"Sport is a key part of the recovery process for our wounded; it enables an individual to focus on what they can achieve, rather than what they can’t.
"Military athletes have described the transformational power of sport and being key to the process of post-traumatic growth; it is a phenomenon some experience and is a turning point that enables someone to have a completely new outlook on life.”
Help for Heroes have also announced their partnership with the British Paralympic Association (BPA) and outlined plans to support the wounded from now to Rio 2016 and beyond to make the progression towards representing their country in Paralympic sport, or working in the sector.
This is an important development that has the potential to benefit of all Paralympic sports.
The partnership will give individuals the opportunity to take part in Talent ID days and fast-track those who show a talent within a certain sport to take it to an elite level or help them take it up as a career.
British Paraylmpic Association CEO Tim Hollingsworth said: "The British Paralympic Association is a long-standing believer in the power of sport as a tool for rehabilitation and this is particularly important for those who acquire their impairment through trauma.
"Excellent examples of this rehabilitation in action are Derek Derenelagi and Jon-Allan Butterworth, who have been supported in their journey to London 2012 by both Help for Heroes and the BPA.
"This is an important development that has the potential to benefit of all Paralympic sports, both summer and winter, and we are delighted to be partnering with Help for Heroes in this way.”
