RBL selects Army veteran from Wolverhampton for Team UK at Invictus Games

Scott Robertson, 38, served in the Royal Signals, serving 14 years and reaching the rank of Sergeant. He served overseas in Germany and Cyprus, as well as conducting two tours in Afghanistan, where he was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service. 

Scott was medically discharged in 2019 due to complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and struggled to adapt to civilian life. However, with support from the Royal British Legion and the On Course Foundation, Scott has been able to find a new passion in sports and he took part in the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf in 2023. 

 He has now set his sights on the very first winter Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler, where he will compete in sitting volleyball, biathlon and indoor rowing. 

 Scott said of his second games: “I’ve come a long way, but there’s still a long way to go and I was shocked to be given the opportunity to represent my country once again at the Invictus Games – it’s a real privilege.

 “When I went to the training camps this time, I wasn’t the quiet, reserved scared boy in the corner, I was an encouraging, helpful motivational friend to people and it was in complete contrast to last year but it was a true reflection of what I’m actually like. And what I was like before, when I was in the Army.”

In partnership with the MOD, the RBL has proudly revealed a 62-strong team, who are all wounded, injured and sick serving personnel and veterans. The multi-generational team includes participants from all services who have been selected based on the benefit that the Games will contribute towards their recovery.

Scott added: “Having been airlifted off a snowy mountainside while in service, I haven’t skied until training for the games commenced and I still suffer from a back injury from that incident. However, I felt it was time to get back on the slopes and the biathlon gives me the chance to experience something I would have never dreamed of before. 

“The endurance of the Nordic skiing and the precision of the target shooting make it one of the most mentally and physically demanding events at the Games! Plus with my PTSD I really struggle with bangs and noises and so I never thought I would hold a weapon again, so I felel proud just to have overcome that and know anything is possible!”

Established in 2014 by Prince Harry, the Invictus Games is an international adaptive multi-sport event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans to participate in as part of their recovery journey. Whistler  will be the first ever Games to include winter sports.

Louise Assioun, RBL’s Team UK Manager said: “For the selected individuals, being part of a team again, representing their country and being around others who are all on their individual recovery pathway is what makes Team UK’s journey to the Invictus Games so unique. The Royal British Legion is proud to support them every step of the way.”

The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will take place from 8-16 February. The Games utilise the power of sport to inspire recovery and support rehabilitation, showcase the fortitude and resilience of military personnel and their families, improve respect and understanding for those with disabilities, and those who serve or have served their country.

The Invictus Games has been held in London (2014), Orlando (2016), Toronto (2017), Sydney (2018), The Hague (2022), and Düsseldorf (2023). Through a process led by the Invictus Games Foundation, Birmingham has been chosen to host the Invictus Games in 2027. 

While the RBL is well known for supporting veterans of the Second World War, the charity is also supporting younger veterans from more recent conflicts through their recovery journey. Access to adaptive sports and the opportunity to participate in the Invictus Games is just one way the RBL supports the wounded, injured and sick community. Adventurous training and theatre and art programmes are also offered to assist individuals on their recovery journey. 

The RBL’s Battle Back Centre uses adaptive sport and adventure activities to help improve confidence and positively impact mental health and wellbeing, helping people achieve their best possible recovery and either return to Service duty or make a smooth transition to civilian life.

For more information about the Invictus Games and the support the Royal British Legion provides, visit rbl.org.uk.