The Invictus Games was held from 10 – 14 September.  Over 400 competitors from 13 nations took part in the international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women. Teams came from the armed forces of nations that served alongside each other. The idea of the Games was to use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding and respect of those who serve their country.

One of the athletes taking part in the Games for Great Britain was Charlie Walker and we have chosen Charlie as our Inspirational Diversity Champion for October.  Charlie was a trainee bomb disposal expert in the Royal Logistics Corps.  In 2006 he contracted meningitis and as a result lost both of his legs below the knee.  Less than a year later Charlie discovered the sport of wheelchair basketball and then sitting volleyball in which he represented Great Britain at the 2012 Paralympics.

At the Invictus Games Charlie took part in three events, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, of which he was the captain and sitting volleyball. In each event Great Britain won the gold medal.  Charlie was an inspiration to not only his team mates but also everyone involved in the Games and truly lived up to the Games motto ‘I AM INVICTUS’.

Invictus

by William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.