Veteran throws his weight behind para Highlanders
sport more inclusive.
James said: “I tried various sports out as part of the Help for Heroes sports recovery programme but none suited me.
"I was selected for the Warrior Games in 2016 and took part in the Invictus Games trials.
"Then I got the call from Help for Heroes to a do a Highland Games course and got to take part in the Mey Games last year.
"Since then I’ve been given the go-ahead to coach other people at grassroots level and formed the Wounded Highlanders.”
James and his team-mates were looking forward to returning to the Mey Games in Caithness, which has had to postpone plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary until 2021.
Instead James, a qualified boxing official who has been unable to work during lockdown, is working to persuade other Highland Games to include para athletes.
He said: “I want them to open their doors and let disabled athletes in. It is a shame this year’s Games had to be cancelled but it gives the organisers time to get organised for next year.
"It would give new life and more exposure to the Highland Games.
"Amputees, people with brain injuries and others with mental health issues all took part in the Mey Games and we smashed several Games records.”
The SHGA asked Help for Heroes to help shape policies to enable inclusivity at more Highland Games, in a move driven by vice-president Charlie Murray.
Charlie said: “I am planning to return when it’s safe to do so and look forward to introducing the Games to a wider audience. The benefits to mental, as well as physical, health are obvious.”