Her Royal Highness heard about the work of the Centre and met Centre staff and wounded, injured and sick Service personnel currently participating in a Battle Back programme there. Other guests included both the Lord Lieutenant and the High Sherriff of Shropshire, Ministry of Defence representatives and local civic dignitaries.
The Battle Back Centre provides adaptive sport and adventurous training courses for wounded, injured and sick Armed Forces men and women as part of their recovery.
The Legion has committed £30 million to create and operate the Battle Back Centre for the next ten years. It is based at Sport England's National Sports Centre, Lilleshall, where British athletes have been in training ahead of the Olympics.
The Battle Back Centre will be formally opened in Autumn 2012 and will provide residential accommodation for up to 24 people at a time. It has been running pilot courses and building up towards full operating capability. So far, just under 200 Service men and women have participated in activities there.
Battle Back Centre courses are designed to help increase self-confidence and motivation, improve ability to deal with stress and develop a positive mental attitude. Individuals are encouraged to focus on what they can achieve, not on what they cannot.
Activities at the Centre currently include wheelchair basketball, indoor climbing and caving, kayaking, clay pigeon shooting and archery.
The Battle Back Centre supports the Battle Back programme, a Ministry of Defence initiative that uses adaptive sport and adventurous training to help wounded, injured and sick Armed Forces personnel, including mobilised reservists, make the best possible recovery and either return to duty or move successfully into civilian life. The MoD-led programme is delivered, funded and organised in partnership with The Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes and other Service charities.
Battle Back is part of the MoD's Defence Recovery Capability which is supported by these charities.
Lt General Sir John Kiszely said: "We were delighted and honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness to the Battle Back Centre and to tell her about its vital work."
