The first MOD adapted sailing centre for wounded, injured and sick service personnel has opened in Cyprus. Funded by the Armys Adventurous Training Group (ATG), the centre offers new opportunities for soldiers to take part in adaptive sailing and water sports as part of their ongoing recovery plan. One of the first soldiers to make use of the new centre whilst on the MODs Multi Activity Course (MAC) was Corporal Lisa Johnston, a Combat Medical Technician Class 1 based at Aldershot. She said: I work in a training unit so I am always seeing the courses you can do with the Army, but I cant do them. So to be able to have something as amazing as this which is adaptive so I dont need to worry is fantastic. I dont like putting people out and being a burden so I dont normally do adventure training. But here I dont need to ask for help. I dont need to worry about if there is enough space for my crutches, or worry about standing on one leg in the shower because there is a seat and I feel safe” Cpl Johnston is one of eight soldiers on the Tri-Service MAC, a course for all wounded, injured and sick personnel to introduce them to a range of adaptive sports to support their recovery. The course is run most months at the Battle Back Centre in Lilleshall, with three courses a year held in Cyprus to offer different opportunities including water-sports and sailing. WO2 Will McKinsley, the Battle Back Warrant Officer running the MAC, said: The facilities at this new centre make life easier for the students, especially those who are less able bodied, which makes it easier for us to deliver the training as everybody can access all of it.” The new centre, which was opened by Commander British Forces Cyprus, Major General Richard Cripwell, provides wheelchair accessible accommodation and facilities as well as a classroom and workshop with paved patios to the harbour decking for better access to the yachts.
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 09:30:15 +0000
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