Invictus Games athletes set for Sport Relief challenge

Updated

Prince Harry has been cheering on two former Invictus Games athletes as they trained for Sport Relief under the watchful gaze of Dame Kelly Holmes.

The double Olympic gold medallist gave the ex-servicemen a few pointers during the session at London's Battersea Park on Tuesday.

Mike Goody and Paul Vice, who competed in the 2014 Invictus Games and hope to be selected for the 2016 Games in Orlando, will compete with a host of famous faces at Sport Relief: Clash of the Titans being staged next week.

They will run a 800 metre route across the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as part of the team triathlon event.

Harry said: "I think the fact that Invictus athletes are taking part in Sport Relief is huge for us."

The prince, founder of the Invictus Games, said: "It's fantastic for the guys to be recognised for both their efforts in the past, and the goals they're achieving now, post injury. It's also great for everyone else - they're inspiring so many people across the country. I'm thrilled that Invictus has a part to play in this."

Sport Relief: Clash of the Titans will see two teams of celebrities go head to head in a series of five Olympic sporting challenges at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on March 18.

Sir Steve Redgrave and Freddie Flintoff will each captain a team with celebrities competing in a range of events from team rhythmic gymnastics to synchronised swimming.

Among the famous faces taking part are Darren Gough, Harry Judd, Omid Djalili, Russell Kane, Paddy McGuinness, Sophie Raworth, Dan Snow, Will Young and Mark Wright.

Mr Goody, a former Aircraftsman who served in the RAF, lost part of his leg below the knee when he was injured by an IED blast.

The former serviceman, who won four Invictus gold medals and one silver, said: "After I was injured I faced some very dark times - both physically and psychologically. Life as I had known it was now very different. I was involved in sport before but after I was injured it became even more important to me. Taking part in the Invictus Games helped turn my life around.

"Sport Relief: Clash of the Titans is not something I ever imagined I'd have the opportunity to be involved in. I'm definitely going to give it all I've got on the night."

Mr Vice, suffered brain damage, lost a leg, was left with a paralysed arm and had 400 shrapnel pieces removed from his body as a result of being blown up by an IED.

He said: "Taking part in the Invictus Games in 2014 was one of the best experiences of my life. After everything that happened to me I was once again part of a team and amongst people who understood what I'd been through.

"But the Invictus Games was about much more than just a few days of sport - it's led to so many more opportunities in life, opportunities like Sport Relief. I'm looking forward to giving Mike, my fellow 2014 Invictus Games compatriot, a good race during Clash of the Titans - I hope he's ready."

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