9 Battalion REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) in Aldershot are a busy battalion, where many soldiers were just getting to know their new teammates before receiving a fantastic £8,000 grant from the NAAFI Fund. The grant funds went straight towards brand-new mountain bikes and essential safety gear like helmets, gloves, and glasses.
Building a cohesive team is crucial for any unit, especially one that was just forming and working incredibly hard with limited resources. Before this grant, 9 Battalion REME didn’t have any cycling equipment, which meant many soldiers were missing out on a truly beneficial activity.
Why Cycling is a Game-Changer
Cycling isn’t just a sport; it’s a powerful tool for building camaraderie and boosting morale. It’s also remarkably inclusive, welcoming a wide range of abilities. Whether someone’s a seasoned rider or just starting, everyone can get involved. Even injured soldiers can often participate, making it an excellent way for the entire team to connect and support each other outside of their demanding work.
A Boost for Battalion Morale
This grant is more than just new equipment; it’s an investment in the well-being and unity of the battalion. These bikes will provide a much-needed outlet for stress, a chance to explore the beautiful Aldershot area, and most importantly, an opportunity for soldiers to bond and build strong relationships in a fun, active environment.
The Local Command thanked NAAFI for this grant: “The Mountain bikes and PPE (helmets, gloves, glasses) bought with NAAFI Fund provided many of my soldiers and officers a fantastic opportunity to challenge themselves in a different environment. Additionally, the team cohesion that this has delivered is phenomenal. It is my desire that 9 Battalion REME personnel who are held at very high readiness, are as mentally and physically fit as they can be. This endeavour in sport has undoubtably improved their wellbeing, quality of life and team cohesion.”
Get ready to see them hitting the trails and building an even stronger team, one pedal stroke at a time!
If you think your unit could do with some new sports equipment, get in touch @naafisocial
