The Mission,
To aid in the recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by military operations by providing opportunities through Motorsport.
We have two formal roles to Defence…
In the co-ordination and provision of motor sport as a recovery activity. As Relationship Managers to the automotive industry for vocational opportunities for the wounded, injured and sick.
What does this mean for those in Scotland?
Unfortunately here in Scotland, we are no longer blessed with the motor manufacturers or race teams we once were. We do have our fair share of wounded ex-forces wounded, injured and sick though. What we need is any way we can to help get these people back into work and give an opportunity to aid in the recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by military operations. The objectives are;
Inspiring and rebuilding confidence.
Helping in the development of new and existing skills to aid them in their future.
Developing resilience and their ability to cope with a disability in different and testing environments; instilling a greater degree of independence.
For those leaving the service, demonstrate to a wide audience the qualities of ex-service personnel that make them more employable.
Providing training and direct vocational support and assistance.
“Race of Remembrance”
The story of the charity running an endurance race at Angelsea Circuit in November 2014
is on air over the last few weeks, including Sky Sports F1 HD. This is a brilliant film, produced in conjunction with Mazda UK, and introduces you to many of our their personnel.
Mission Motorsport – Knockhill Launch Event 16th April 2015
The Forces’ Motorsport Charity was set up to help aid in the recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by military operations by providing opportunities through motorsport.
The charity uses motorsport to engage and merge the activities of the disabled and those carrying mentally and physically debilitating injuries with able bodied servicemen and women as well as a large supporting cast of civilian motorsport practitioners, sponsors and supporters. An array of professional drivers showed their support of the charity, these include Tom Onslow-Cole Paul O’Neil, Dan Welch, Calum Lockie, Elliott Cole along with Mission Motorsport founder Major James Cameron and Jon Earp.
The charity’s Scotland Area Representative, Findlay Leask says “Despite launching originally in 2012 the charity has had little presence in Scotland until now. We will be welcoming as many current drivers and legends as we can get, teams, car clubs, industry, press and most importantly the Wounded, Injured and Sick (WIS) forces’ personnel in Scotland to join us at Knockhill Racing Circuit on the 16th April from 12noon. This will be an opportunity for the WIS to meet key members of the charity, learn what opportunities are available and experience the thrill of track time in a range of exotic machinery!” Findlay goes on to explain more about who the charity has helped; “ Mike Courts, the Fife based Mission Motorsport beneficiary and driver will be on hand to tell the media how the support of the charity has helped him combat his injuries and PTSD to secure a drive in both the Scottish BMW Compact Cup and the Ginetta GT Supercup that tours the UK with the British Touring Car Championship. His story alone is inspirational.”
Mission Motorsport forms part of the MoD’s Recovery Career Services by sourcing vocational opportunities, work placements and training, where possible in the automotive sector (Jaguar LandRover, for example) but also across all industry sectors.
The charity has support from Sir Stirling Moss, Lord Drayson and was engaged with HRH Prince Harry through the Invictus Games 2014. Each of the WIS forces’ personnel that are supported by the charity has a remarkable story to tell.
Co-founder and charity CEO ex-Major James Cameron will be available for interview on the day.
If you require further information please contact Scottish Area Representative Findlay Leask on 07921 623453, email fl@missionmotorsport.org or visit www.missionmotorsport.org
