Above: An athelete at the Invictus games.
Courtesy BAE Systems
 
BAE Systems said this new partnership underpins the long term commitment the company have to supporting the UK Armed Forces and their families.
 
Jennifer Osbaldestin, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Land UK business and a Royal Navy Veteran, said: “Providing support to our Armed Forces lies at the very heart of what we do as a company. Our employees are passionate and proud to be able to support wounded UK veterans and service personnel.  We take great pride in delivering equipment and services to the men and women of our Armed Forces, helping them to protect the UK’s security and prosperity.

 
“We are delighted to further strengthen this relationship by supporting Team UK on their journey to the Invictus Games. Sporting and team activities can play an important part in the rehabilitation of veterans and service personnel and the Invictus Games is a great example of how people can overcome life-changing events.”
 
Rear Admiral Jim Macleod, Head of Invictus UK, said: “We are delighted to announce that BAE Systems is Invictus UK’s new presenting partner. BAE Systems has provided critical support to the UK’s air, land and naval forces, and their longstanding commitment to our veterans and personnel at home and abroad, makes them an ideal partner for Invictus UK.  This is an exciting year for Invictus UK and it is great to have the support of BAE Systems.”
 
The Invictus UK Trials which run from 22-26 July in Sheffield will be the largest gathering of UK military wounded adaptive sport competitors. This year, 475 men and women are due to compete at the Trials, highlighting the ever growing need to support those who have put their lives on the line for us.
 
Following the Trials, a team will be formed to represent Team UK at the Invictus Games The Hague 2020. The Invictus Games is an international sporting event for wounded, injured or sick veterans and service personnel. The Games highlights the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of, and respect for, those who serve their country. Teams from 19 countries compete in nine different events, ranging from athletics to wheelchair rugby.
 
Invictus UK is delivered by a partnership comprising the Ministry of Defence, The Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes. BAE Systems’ role as presenting partner will provide a range of employee volunteering opportunities, from stewards to specialist referees at the Invictus UK Trials Sheffield 2019.