What this inspiring contest means to me

Captain David Henson lost his legs after an IED blast.  He won two golds in the freestyle swimming at the Warrior Games in the US
6 March 2014

I am injured but this does not define me. I am a veteran but in my heart I am still a soldier. I am a husband, son, brother and uncle. I am ambitious.

I am proud to be here with other service personnel to announce this incredible event, the Invictus Games.

These games bring the story of life beyond disability, of overcoming fear and trauma, of redefining yourself.

It is the story of rediscovering what it is to be a serviceman, with all the grit and spirit this brings.

My journey began when I was deployed to Afghanistan as a Royal Engineer Search Adviser, responsible for leading a team of soldiers in the search for improvised explosive devices. At a compound clearance on February 13, 2011, I stepped on an IED that resulted in the loss of both of my legs above the knee.

When I was in the Queen Elizabeth hospital in Birmingham I had a visit from another injured Royal Engineer, Nick Beighton, who represented Great Britain in rowing in the 2012 Paralympics. He talked me through the options for prosthetics. He told me about the running blades and I knew that’s what I’d be aiming for.

While I was in early recovery my family took part in swims for military charities. I wanted in. Four months after I’d been injured I entered my first competition with them.

I was medically discharged last week. I entered the Army passing the fitness requirements, and I left passing them too. I was honoured to be captain of the UK Armed Forces Team at the Warrior Games last year.

When Prince Harry said he wanted to bring an international games for wounded, injured and sick service personnel to the UK, I knew it would be indescribably rewarding.

The Invictus Games will start a blank chapter in the stories of a whole new group of competitors from around the world.

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