Teenager’s role in Invictus Games

A TEENAGER from a Tilehurst school was among those who went to Germany earlier this month for The Invictus Games.

Seventeen-year-old Amaani was a brand ambassador for Great Britain at the sporting event held in the town’s twin, Dusseldorf.

Launched in 2013, it is an international sporting event dedicated to wounded, injured, and sick service personnel devised by Prince Harry.

Amaani, who attends Litte Heath School, attended the opening ceremony and offered support to the games.

Her role of brand ambassador saw her join another UK participant as well as two from Chemnitz, Germany, two from Toulouse, France, and two from Dusseldorf, Germany. She was also joined by the mayor of Reading, Cllr Tony Page.

And before she went, she helped raise awareness of its work by setting up information stalls in Reading town centre, and encouraging pupils and staff at Little Heath to support the athletes by signing yellow ribbons, which were given to random participants from across the world.

Away from the games, she is deputy chair of Reading Youth Council, and was pleased to explore the cultural and historical facts of Dusseldorf, especially its ties to Reading, as well touring the Invictus Village, an environment designed to provide comfort and support for the participating athletes.

As a brand ambassador, Amaani has dedicated her recent summer holidays to actively promoting the Games. Her efforts included setting up stalls in Reading Town Centre, distributing merchandise, and encouraging individuals to support the athletes by signing yellow ribbons. At the beginning of this new academic year, she spoke with the Head

Teacher of Little Heath School, Mr. Ramsden, in a bid to involve the school community in this inspiring endeavour. The yellow ribbons hold the purpose of conveying support to random athletes from around the world and were signed by a large majority of both students and staff from Little Heath School.

“By seeing the incredible strength shown by athletes from across the world, it will inspire people and show that you can really do anything, and be anyone, even when such unexpected things may occur,” she said.

And a spokesperson for Little Heath School said they took immense pride in Amaani's achievements, especially her active involvement in the Reading Youth Council.