An Oxfordshire woman has been selected as Team UK vice-captain by the Royal British Legion for the Invictus Games in Canada in 2025 – the first games to include winter sports.

Gemma Barnes, from Islip, who has been selected for Team UK as a Vice-Captain, is looking to rebuild her confidence as a leader and connect with other veterans.

In partnership with the Ministry of Defence, the RBL has revealed a 64-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.

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“To do something that represents the UK again and to do it with brilliant people who are of a similar mindset, who want to get better, I think that is really powerful,” she says.

At the Invictus Games in Vancouver-Whistler, Gemma will compete in adaptive events such as Skeleton, Wheelchair Basketball and Snowboarding.

Gemma wanted to be in the military from an early age and served for over 15 years in the Armed Forces.

After training initially as a combat medic in the Army Reserve at University she then went on to commission as a Physiotherapy Officer, serving for eight years in the Army Reserve and seven years in the Royal Air Force overseeing the rehabilitation of injured military personnel.

She loved her job but two serious leg injuries in the space of 18 months brought a premature end to her military career.

Following her medical discharge in 2020, Gemma has continued to work as a Physio and now works in her local community supporting those with conditions such as Parkinsons and dementia.

But she has found the transition to civilian life difficult at times and has continued to face physical and mental challenges as a result of her leg injuries.

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.

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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 February 8-16.

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.