As part of the Battle Back scheme, run by Help for Heroes, the newpartnership will see powerlifting integrated into the rehabilitation scheme at Headley Court in Surrey.

BWL performance administrator Dan Wagner and BrianCunniffe attended a recent Army Powerlifting Union (APU) competition, and donated a disability powerlifting bench to the cause, as well as meeting with organisers Neil Thomas and Stephen Maden.

Joint coaching clinics look set tobe staged between the APU and BWL to highlight a Paralympian's training levels, weights, category and the processes of training.

"Going forward it would be great to strengthen existing relations with Army Powerlifting in conjunction with the Battle Back programme," said Wagner.

"It is hoped that powerlifting willbecome an integrated part of asoldiers rehabilitation, and also provide a route for participation inthe sport.

"We also hope that Paralympic powerlifters willparticipate in Army PowerliftingUnion competitions."

Captain Neil Thomas, chairman of Army and Combined Services Powerlifting, also welcomed the new link-up.

"The reasonpowerlifting as a sport is so popular, is basically down to the fact that it is asport that anyone can have a go at," he said.

"All military stations have gymnasiums, and the personal goalsthat can be achieved, the welcoming nature of the sport and all the lifters and access to a competitive arena also help make it so popular.

"This project is groundbreaking because it will be the first Army sport to be engaged at what can beconsidered grass roots and entry level.

"With so many service personnelbeing injured at the moment it isnatural that a sport, especially such aspowerlifting that allows able bodiedand disability competitors to competefairly against each other, takes actionto ensure its development streams andcompetition delivery is in keeping  with the BWL.

"We also need to ensure we offersupport to our potential lifters throughthe administration and trainingprocesses to potentially develop future national and international standard athletes with the overall plan to find and promote Paralympic level athletes.

"The initial stages of the project willensure that the Army staff are able toassess the current set up and by working with BWL coaches effectively support the service persons under the BWL banner.

"This project will further complementthe current provisions in the Army, and ultimately contribute to the overalleffectiveness of the Army and itsdelivery of competition and training ofathletes with international aspirations."