12 teams battle the elements at our fundraising Golf Day.
Thunder, heavy rain showers and even the odd flash of lightning did not dampen the spirits of the intrepid golfers at the second Team Army Golf day on 22 May.
Frilford Heath Golf Club was again the host for the event and despite the weather it turned out to be a cracking day with 12 companies entering teams into the Raytheon sponsored event, designed very much as a B2B opportunity and comprising the latest in a series of Team Army promoted, Pay-As-You-Go events throughout the year.
Many of the teams were fortunate to have a fourth team member provided from the Adaptive Golf team, which is yet another highly successful initiative to use sport as a vehicle for the long process of recovery and rehabilitation of injured troops. Whilst the day may not have inspired the highest level of golf as the teams fought the elements, it certainly inspired those that attended and the realisation of the value of sport in the forces and in particular its impact on those struggling through adversity.
Dinner and prizes rewarded the players and much thanks go to the Army Golf Association who helped stage the event. With the spoils spread around the room it was a moving few words provided by LCpl Scott Blaney that brought a poignancy to the whole event. Scott, blown up in Afghanistan suffering amputation and many other life changing injuries was quite inspirational in what he has achieved against the odds. A tremendous atmosphere and occasion and perhaps only best summarised by sound bites from some appreciative participants:
“….The Babcock team greatly enjoyed the golf yesterday; we were all impressed by the Battleback / Team Army initiatives and very moved by Scott’s inspirational account of his experiences and triumph in the face of adversity.” Adam Cooper, General Manager Allenby Connaught at Babcock International Group PLC
“…Thank you for a fantastic day yesterday. Rain aside we had a superb day and look forward to defending the title in 2015. As last year, it was a well-organised event and I hope it will continue to grow in popularity next year. ………….. Hearing the Battle Back teams stories added to the day in my opinion and was very humbling, reminding us all what the day is really about.” Mark Crawford, CamelBak
The last words are perhaps best left to Scott in an email to Maj Gen Lamont Kirkland, CEO of Team Army :
“It was a great golf day on Thursday and I really had a good day. It was great to meet yourself and Team Army and amazing to hear what you are doing for Army sport……..” LCpl Scott Blaney