Latest Invictus Adventure sees 14 participants learn Golf in Scotland
The Invictus Games Foundation recently supported 14 members of the We Are Invictus Community to take part in a Golf Skills Development course as part of our Invictus Adventures programme in Scotland.
The goal of this Invictus Adventure was to introduce the participants to golf as an activity for recovery and rehabilitation.
The 14 participants received in-depth tuition from experienced Professional Golf Association (PGA) Coaches consisting of a mix of lessons followed by the opportunity to put their newly acquired skills to practice on the golf courses of Scotland, including the iconic St Andrews Links.
“For me this was an unforgettable event.” said Lars Asi, Estonia.
“I gained so much from being with people who had similar experiences to mine from which I could learn from and understand some of the things that have happened to me in the recent years where I shut myself off from society but couldn't really understand why I was doing such things,” Lars continued.
The group featured members of the wounded, injured or sick (WIS) service community from Australia, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, and Estonia, who all found common ground in healing through sport.
“The companionship and belonging I felt is something I haven't felt in a long time. I am greatly thankful for all the people there who made such an amazing event and I really hope that other people will have the chance to take part in the future as well, said Lars.
This Invictus Adventure was run by the On Course Foundation, the UK’s only golf specific military charity, who use the game of golf as a recovery tool for the international WIS community,
The On Course Foundation has a long history with the Invictus Games Foundation, as they have been a recipient of funding as part of the Veteran’s People Places and Pathways Programme, managed in the South-West region of the UK by the Invictus Games Foundation.
"I would like to express my deep appreciation for the On Course Foundation, the Invictus Games Foundation, and all the partners involved in this recent activity. The organization and attention to detail were outstanding, providing a seamless and enriching experience from start to finish, said Edwin Dámaso Forero Pacheco, Colombia.
“The opportunity to connect with fellow veterans from around the world in such a supportive and encouraging environment was truly remarkable.
“The partnerships that make these events possible are invaluable, not only for the chance to play golf but for the emotional and psychological benefits that come with it,” Edwin said.
The participants also got the opportunity to learn from the Royal and Ancient (R&A) – the governing body of World Golf and discover more about topics such as sustainability, health and wellbeing, and golf course maintenance.
About the ‘Beyond the Games’ Programme
The Invictus Games Foundation ‘Beyond the Games’ programme exists to identify and support WIS seeking to use sport/and or adventurous challenge as part of their recovery journey and continued rehabilitation.
Members of the international WIS community can access this programme through the free We Are Invictus platform, open to any serving personnel or veteran who has been injured or fallen ill during or as a consequence of their service.
The We Are Invictus platform is a closed platform for members of the international WIS community that provides access to everything the IGF offers Beyond the Games.
You do not have to be a previous Invictus Games competitor to join or be from a member country of the Invictus Community of Nations, the platform is open to all WIS worldwide, you can sign up here.