The tri-service initiative Toe in the Water aims to inspire the men and women who have sustained often traumatic injuries, including the loss of limbs, to move beyond their disability and to become re-inspired by life. Competitive sailing is a physically and mentally challenging adventurous sport and provides a unique opportunity for injured men and women to sail and race on equal terms with their able-bodied contemporaries. The participants are selected by the clinicians at DMRC Headley Court based on specific clinical needs and are given tangible rehab goals which are monitored prior to, during and post each event. The overarching aim of the project is to provide competitive world class racing to injured servicemen and women as an extension of their rehabilitation at the DMRC Headley Court and thereby: Challenging injured servicemen and women both physically and mentally taking them beyond their own and others expectations. Re-inspiring injured servicemen and assist them in being able to see beyond their injuries. Providing a vehicle to assist injured servicemen in finding a meaningful working and living environment following profound injury. Sailing is one of the few sports that provide the opportunity for injured men and women to race on equal terms with and against their able-bodied contemporaries. It re-integrates them into the disciplined team environments they have come from and enables them to play active roles in racing. It challenges them not only physically but also mentally; helping them to re-engage with the world around them and challenging not only their own expectations but also those of the people around them. By providing a vehicle to assist injured servicemen to move beyond their injuries, it also assists them in finding a meaningful working and living environment following profound injury.
