Dorset Destroyers Player Given Place at Invictus Games 2016

Ben Steele, Gold medalist in the Invictus Games in 2014, joined The Dorset Destroyers Wheelchair Rugby Club in 2015 with the aim of being able to play regularly and hoping to get a place in Invictus Games 2016.

Today it was officially announced that Ben has been given a place and will be flying out to the USA for the games to be held in Florida in May 2016.

The Dorset Destroyers are not yet in a League, so there was lots of hard work to be put in by Ben as his team mates had to be kept in the dark about his Team Selection. But The Destroyers although not yet playing league wise have some very strong players who have made things very tough anyway.

Club Captain Paul Sutherland said:- "When Ben first came to play it was like we had to really up our game again to keep up with him, so it really helped us as well"

Ben is aiming for Gold again, but it will be much tougher this time as his opponents know how he plays.

Chairman Nick Coombs:- "Ben has changed enormously since we first met. He has a huge hit on him and he has a lot more movement now."

"Luke and Ben, our coaches showed us that it's not all about the hits. It's like Chess in Tanks. You've got to be tactical 90% of the time, but sometimes smacking into your opponent in a wheelchair is the only way out"

We'd like to wish Ben well for the Invictus Games and to all the Invictus Team.

About the Invictus Games

Most of us will never know the full horrors of combat. Many Service men and women suffer life-changing injuries, both visible and invisible, while serving their countries. Prince Harry took a trip to the Warrior Games in the USA in 2013, he saw how the power of sport could help physically, psychologically, and socially. His mind was made up. London would host the inaugural Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded, ill, and injured Service men and women – both active duty and veteran.

Invictus Games competitors are the men and women who have come face-to-face with the reality of making a sacrifice for their countries. These people are the embodiment of everything for which the Invictus Games stand. They have been tested and challenged, but they have not been overcome. They have proven they cannot be defeated. They have the willpower to persevere and conquer new heights. The 2014 Games shone a spotlight on the sacrifices these men and women made serving their country, and their indefatigable drive to overcome. The Invictus Games London 2014 was about much more than just four days of sport; it captured hearts, challenged minds and changed lives.

The Games harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those whom serve their countries.