A WOUNDED sailor in the Royal Navy has proudly flown the flag for the UK in an international event.

Nigel White, 50, from Basingstoke, was one of 40 veterans and service personnel to have been selected by military charity Help for Heroes to represent the UK at the 2018 Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games, which ran from June 1 to 9.

Nigel took part in cycling events at the games which were held in Colorado Springs, in the USA.

Approximately 265 service members and veterans representing teams from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), as well as the United Kingdom armed forces, Canadian forces and the Australian Defence Force participated in the competition held earlier this month.

The UK team, which was supported and delivered by Help for Heroes, took part in nine adaptive sports.

Speaking ahead of the games Martin Colclough, head of sports recovery at Help for Heroes said: “We know how important sport is as part of an individual’s recovery, not only does it help physically, sport empowers veterans and provides huge psychological benefits too including improving self-confidence and self-esteem.

“The Warrior Games provides the opportunity for these men and women to proudly serve their country again and have a second chance at life.

“Through these games, they get to experience being part of a team again, something the military often miss after suffering a life-changing injury or illness.

“The Warrior Games team represents just 40 of our wounded heroes; there are thousands more out there that need our support, for life.

“We’d encourage anyone who wants to try something new as part of their recovery to get in touch with Help for Heroes, there’s something on offer for everyone.”

Anyone that is wounded, injured or sick military personnel or veteran and in need of support should go to helpforheroes.org.uk/get-support.