Absolutely Karting held its first competitive Karting event featuring hand controlled Karts pioneered by KartForce on 18 October. The event was attended by soldiers with both physical and psychological injuries and their families.

Absolutely Karting, based in Slough, is the only Karting track in the country to have purchased more than one set of the hand controls meaning it is the only venue where groups of users of the modified Karts can compete against the drivers using standard Karts. This is part of Absolutely Leisure, part of Slough Community Leisure's (SCL) initiative to help wounded servicemen get into motorsport.

The competition consisted of eight teams of four competing to become the overall winners. One Kart from each team had hand controls enabling those with physical injuries to compete.

The modifications to the Karts included replacing the conventional steering wheel with a handlebar system that has a hydraulic hand brake and cable throttle system meaning the Kart's speed can be controlled with one or two hands as opposed to using pedals. This simple design alteration has made the sport readily accessible to many soldiers who up to now were unable to partake.

Dave Player from KartForce Commented: "Motorsport is a great way for soldiers to rehabilitate following a trauma and soldiers with both physical and mental injuries are able to benefit for this type of activity. The added benefit provided by Absolutely Karting is that injured soldiers can compete on a level playing field with their peers, proof that injured soldiers don't have to compromise on their lifestyles."

Rob Whitehouse, Slough Community Leisure Chief Executive, commented:

"Many soldiers return from service with life changing injuries but this doesn't mean they should have to change for the worse. At Slough Community Leisure we see no reason why injured servicemen can't still enjoy sport and, therefore hope this initiative will enable and encourage those affected to take part in a wider range of sports."