A HUGE congratulations to David Sandles for again competing at the Invictus Games in Toronto.

In 2016, we were able to support Dave and ‪#‎TeamGB‬‘s performance by covering the cost of his new carbon wheels.

After being injured some 21 years ago, Dave, a former Corporal in the Army, is a paraplegic and therefore a permanent wheelchair user.

He began as part of the coaching staff for the Invictus Games two years ago and decided to compete in 2016 as he saw first-hand the difference it made to those who took part.

After winning two bronze medals last year, David returned to action and narrowly finished in 5th place following a sprint finish.

As David already turns this thoughts to competing in Sydney next year, he had the following to say:

“I would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ once again to the Aaron Lewis Foundation for your help on my Invictus journey. This began in 2016 with your very generous funding of the race wheels for my handcycle when I competed in Orlando at my first Invictus Games. This year I was excited to be selected once more to represent Team UK in handcycling and indoor rowing in Toronto.

“We we welcomed to Toronto with a mini heatwave and Time Trial day that saw temperatures at around 30 degrees. Over a 5k course my time was 10 minutes 27 seconds which ranked me 4th.

“The start time on Criterium Race Day was crowded with 25 riders from 2 classes of handcyclists starting together. The atmosphere was electric and very competitive. The race length was 30 minutes and turned into a very tactical race with lots of ‘drafting’. A tough sprint finish over the line saw me coming in 5th place with Franck Robin of France taking gold. Just 4 seconds covered 2nd to 5th.

Already on my return the call has gone out for the next Invictus Games being held in Sydney, Australia 2018. I will put myself up for selection again and will continue on my journey.”

#TeamALF #ALF2017 #InvictusGames