British Ex-Services Wheelchair Sports Association (BEWSA) was formed in 1987, after a small group of disabled wheelchair ex-Service men and women were given an invitation to participate in the Paralysed Veterans of America Annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the largest wheelchair games in the world. They continue to attend and are the only ex-Service association, outside the USA, allowed to take part. The veterans train in all aspects of sport from archery to track and field where possible.

Veterans are referred to BEWSA via other service charities such as the Royal British Legion, the Army Benevolent Fund, the “Not Forgotten” Association; visits are also made to Headley Court by the disabled publicity officer and, of course, by word of mouth.

In addition, BEWSA became the first BSAC registered disabled scuba diving branch - Millennium 2000. It’s given disabled veterans the opportunity to become qualified dive instructors; 12 disabled are qualified, with three disabled and one able-bodied support staff member nearing the end of their course.

Training weekends and welfare clinics are held monthly at Defence College of Aeronautical Engineering, Cosford, West Midlands. Assistance is given with the provision of training, equipment, wheelchairs, and costs towards specialist events from tennis to ice hockey.

Advice is also available (by phone) on welfare matters, benefits rights, disability rights and disability issues. BEWSA also undertake grant applications to the main forces/service charities and Regimental Associations.

For more information call Edwin Thomas, JP 01326 318780 (chairman) email chairmanbewsa@btinternet.com or visit www.bewsa.org For welfare enquiries call Richard Simmons on 01670 363192 or email r.simmons12@btinternet.com