Naomi Adie is an Ice Sledge Hockey player for the Peterborough Phantoms.

How did you get involved with Para Ice Sledge Hockey?

Para Ice hockey was supposed to be included in last year’s Invictus games so since I am an RAF veteran and I used to play field hockey before my medical discharge. I thought, "That has to be the sport for me".

My nearest club is Peterborough Phantoms, so I went up to a training session and was hooked. Unfortunately, Para Ice was left out of the Invictus games.

What does it mean to you to be a part of the Peterborough Phantoms?

I am currently the only women on the team and one of only a handful of women that play in the league in the UK. I have only been playing for just over a year, but I have never felt so welcome. When I was discharged from the RAF I lost my sense of where I belong and who I was.

I’m now a member of an amazing team and it doesn’t matter what your disability is or if you are abled bodied, you are there because you want to play for the team and have fun.

Phantoms see your ability not your disability. We just want people to come and try the sport to feel the benefits for your physical and mental health and have some fun.

What does playing Para Ice Sledge Hockey feel like?

For me it is freedom, daily I am restricted by my body and what I can and can’t do but on the ice I have a freedom to move at speed and not be seen as a disabled person who can’t do anything. I love the fact I am smiling every time I get on the ice and then off it as it is so much fun. Yes, my body hurts after, but I can deal with that because of what the sport and my team give me for my wellbeing. Also, it is important to me to be able to show other women and my daughter that you can still take part in sports even when you are disabled. I want my daughter to grow up knowing that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.

To read more about Ice Sledge Hockey, visit our sports  page