More than 100 athletes recovering from injuries from across the UK Armed Forces and international counterparts took part in a triathlon in Plymouth.
The Royal Navy hosted the Strength of Spirit Games Rehabilitation Triathlon this week at Plymouth Hoe as part of Armed Forces Week celebrations in the city.
Under a blazing sun and soaring temperatures, spectators were treated to service personnel on recovery duties and veterans who competed in swimming, biking and rowing events across the Hoe.
Teams included international representatives from the United States Marine Corps and Royal Netherlands Marine Corps.
Competitors were able to take part in full and sprint distances with relay options also available. The sprint distance saw participants swim 200m, cycle 6.6km and row 2.5km while the full distance was a 400m swim, 13.2km bike ride and 5km row.
Commander Claire Lees, from Royal Navy Recover and Resilience HQ, said: “The Rehabilitation Triathlon is an opportunity for individuals facing their own challenges due to illness and injury, to come together as a community.
“The competitors encourage each other to achieve their personal goals with a sense of friendly competition and camaraderie.
“Being able to share this event with the incredible community in Plymouth is a real pleasure and privilege and we’re incredibly grateful for all the support.”
Events this year have also been expanded to include the Plymouth School Sports Partnership Junior Rowing Challenge which saw 150 pupils from 25 primary schools competing in a demanding rowing challenge on Plymouth Hoe for the first time.
There to present the winners with their medals was the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Tina Touhy and Commodore Suzi Nielson RN.
The Lord Mayor said: “We are very proud of our military history and our Armed Forces based in the city, and it’s a privilege to be able to watch the Strength of Spirit Games and celebrate Armed Forces Day, both on Plymouth Hoe.
“I invite the people of Plymouth to come along to these spectacular events and show your support to our Armed Forces community.”
