Harry Backs Injured Troops South Pole Racwe

**Panda** Tue 28 Aug - 8:34

Harry Backs Injured Troops' South Pole Race

Prince Harry hopes to take part in a race to the South Pole involving injured armed forces personnel.

8:10am UK, Tuesday 28 August 2012
Harry Backs Injured Troops South Pole Racwe 8592910-1-1-942x530

Harry Backs Injured Troops South Pole Racwe 8592910-1-1-942x530

The prince is hoping to take part in the race

Prince Harry will be the patron of a charity race to the South Pole between three teams of wounded servicemen from around the world.

The 27-year-old royal, who last year joined a group of injured soldiers as they trekked to the North Pole, is now supporting the Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge 2013.

Groups of armed forces personnel from Britain, the US and the Commonwealth - who sustained physical or cognitive injuries in the line of duty - will take part in the brutal competition in November and December next year.

Depending on his military commitments, Harry could dust off his skis to take part in the race, but St James's Palace said it was "far too early" to tell.
Prince Harry joined racers for part of last year's North Pole challenge
A spokesman said: "The option is being kept open, but no decision has been made."

During the four-week Antarctic expedition, the racers will trek a total of 210 miles, drag sledges weighing more than 68kg (150lb) and face extreme temperatures as low as -45C, along with savage 50mph winds.

The Allied Challenge to the South Pole will combine five charities for injured servicemen and women from across the globe.
It is not known if he will take part in next year's event
Funds raised will be shared among the host organisation Walking With the Wounded (UK), Soldiers to Summits (USA), Soldier On (Canada), Soldier On (Australia) and Wounded Warrior Trust (New Zealand).

Selection weekends to pick the UK team will begin next month and a cold weather selection course is expected next March.
Injured servicemen from Britain, US and Commonwealth will take part
Harry said earlier this year: "The vision behind Walking With The Wounded, to reintegrate wounded servicemen and women successfully into civilian life, recognises the unquenchable spirit and drive of those young people.

"It aims to harness their determination and energy, whilst adjusting their mindset to face the numerous challenges that lie ahead