Invictus Games Legacy Programme Uses Adaptive Rowing to Support Recovery
Team Forces is proud to be funding an exciting initiative using adaptive rowing to support wounded, injured and sick members of the Armed Forces community ahead of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027.
The 12-month programme, delivered by Love Rowing, the charitable foundation of British Rowing, is giving participants the opportunity to get on the water, develop new skills and experience the physical and social benefits of rowing. The programme is designed to support recovery and rehabilitation from both physical and non-visible trauma, while promoting wellbeing, confidence and social connection. Participants train alongside accredited coaches in a supportive and inclusive environment, with opportunities to challenge themselves and connect with others.
It’s a brilliant example of how the legacy of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 is already creating opportunities for our Armed Forces community, well before the Games arrive in Birmingham next year. For Team Forces, the programme demonstrates the powerful role sport can play in recovery. Trying something new, setting goals, challenging yourself and connecting with others can all help build confidence and contribute to longer-term wellbeing.
Rowing and recovery
That connection between rowing and recovery is reflected in the experience of Ben Gallagher, who received one of the first Team Forces COVID Bounceback grants and went on to compete for Team UK at the Invictus Games. Gallagher won gold in the men’s indoor rowing endurance event and bronze in cycling at the 2023 Invictus Games in Düsseldorf. He returned at the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver Whistler as Team UK’s indoor rowing coach. Reflecting on the role rowing played in his own recovery, Gallagher said: “Rowing played a huge part in my recovery. I know first-hand how sport can rebuild confidence, create connection and give you something to word towards. I’m proud others can now discover the those benefits through Love Rowing and Birmingham 2027.”
Creating opportunities through sport
Indoor rowing will form part of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, which will bring together 550 competitors from across the Invictus community at the NEC from 10–17 July 2027. The adaptive rowing programme is a clear demonstration of the lasting impact the Games can have beyond the competition itself. With support from Team Forces, opportunities to experience the benefits of adaptive sport are already being created almost a year before the Games officially begin.
The impact was clear from the very first session at Worcester Rowing Club, where 12 Wounded, Injured and Sick participants came together with volunteers, staff and family members. The group included complete novices alongside people who had previously competed at the Invictus Games but had stepped away from the military community for several years due to mental health challenges. There were wheelchair users, people with visual impairments and participants managing a range of significant health and life challenges. The session ended with a mini regatta, giving everyone the opportunity to rediscover their competitive spirit in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Love Rowing reported: “And finally, a big thank you for the Team Forces funding – it has already been converted into positive impact.”
For Team Forces, that is exactly what this programme is about. By enabling opportunities through the power of sport, challenge and adventure, we can help members of the Armed Forces community take positive steps towards recovery, build confidence, reconnect with others and discover what they are capable of.
We are incredibly proud to be supporting Love Rowing and the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 in making that opportunity possible.
