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Petty Officer to compete in Invictus Games

Petty Officer to compete in Invictus Games
7 April 2016
Serving Royal Navy Petty Officer is to represent the UK at the Invictus Games.

PO Sean Gaffney currently serving at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton has a below -the –knee left leg amputation from an injury in service in 1999.

Sean will compete in eight events in Games to be held in Orlando next month amongst 110 military veterans and serving military personnel.

The Paralympics -style games were first staged two years ago and Prince Harry is the Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation. 

My strongest event is the rowing and I will definitely be ‘Going for Gold’ in Orlando!

PO Sean Gaffney

Sean’s eight events consist of two indoor rowing events, bench press, shot put, 400M sprint, discus and two road cycling events.

Sean said;“ I am very competitive and don’t allow my lower leg amputation to get in the way of my everyday working life  in the Royal Navy life or my love of sport.

“I have added cycling to my events this year after purchasing bike only days before the trials for the games were being held.

“Luckily I qualified and I’m looking forward to this opportunity to show everyone what we can achieve beyond injury.

“My strongest event is the rowing and I will definitely be ‘Going for Gold’ in Orlando!” added Sean

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said “Everyone selected for the UK team can be proud of what they have achieved as they prepare for success in Orlando.

“The MOD is once again backing this superb event and I look forward to being there to see our personnel and veterans demonstrate their fighting spirit.”

The Invictus Games 2016 are being held in Orlando, Florida at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex from 8 to 12 May 2016 and we wish Sean and Team UK Good Luck.

https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/

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