Rhubarb

St Edward’s r h u b a r b

11

An all-access experience at the Invictus Games Tristan Mackie (C, 2012-2014)

viewed the competition when it was televised. We received a call from someone suffering a life-threatening illness, who had witnessed the courage and strength of those competing in the Games, and decided to fight their illness. After the Games commenced I was given an all-access pass to the events, and managed to watch the final of the Wheelchair Rugby, GB versus the USA. I have never sat and watched a sporting event with such energy and electricity. Noise and cheering were pouring out from the supporters – no matter who was winning! It seemed that the sport itself was momentarily forgotten, and people wanted to cheer on the players in support of their new challenge which had given them a completely new chance in life. Recently I was contacted to see if I would be interested in working at the next Invictus Games, due to take place about a year and a half from now. I have no idea what I will be doing in my life then, but of course, I said yes!

down the medical officers who saved lives on the front line. One competitor was presented a medallion by the medic who stopped him bleeding to death when his leg was badly injured. It was amazing to reunite them, knowing the incredibly unique bond they share. The experience of reuniting service heroes with the heroes who saved and improved their lives was a life-changing process. I spoke to an ex-service man who had suffered the loss of both his legs, one of his arms, and had a severely injured other arm, who told me that the track events in which he had competed had changed his life. After being part of the Games I have come to realise how much people’s lives are turned upside down through the injuries obtained during combat, which change their identities as service personnel as they come to terms with the fact that they can no longer serve in that role. It wasn’t just their lives in which the Games inspired positive change, but the lives of those who

After leaving Teddies last summer, I started an incredible three-month journey helping to organise the Invictus Games. The Games featured 400 wounded, injured and sick service personnel from 14 countries, each competing in nine adaptive sports. I worked alongside the main management team as a runner, delivering messages, including a full week delivering messages to HRH Prince Harry. I also supported the organisation of the closing ceremony, sourcing award givers to present medals to the British team. Every competitor is awarded a medal for taking part in the competition, each presented to them by a competitor from another nation, but for our home team, we arranged something a little different. Each service man or woman competing was presented their medal by someone who was involved in saving their lives during combat, or worked with them during their rehabilitation. I worked alongside the BBC using battle reports to track

f e a t u r e s

Tristian Mackie, third from the right, with HRH Price Harrry and volunteers at the Invictus Games