THE crew of the Royal Navy warship HMS Sutherland celebrated the Commonwealth Games by organising their own sports Olympiad and team-building afternoon.

As a ship with strong affiliated links to Scotland, the crew spent a sports afternoon competing in a similar style to the Commonwealth Athletes in Glasgow. Many of the sailors have recently newly joined the Plymouth-based ship as she prepares to re-enter operational service following a refit.

Sport is an ideal opportunity for the new crew members to get to know fellow newcomers and longer standing members. Leading physical trainer Daniel Threlkeld, 23, said: “As we were playing ‘Naval Sports’ – adapted for use on flight decks of ships, most people were able to take part, no matter what standard of fitness or ability they were.”

He said team-building and sport is one of the key pillars in Royal Navy ethos and takes great pride in giving everyone the chance to get active and challenge themselves in the name of fitness and team-building.

Daniel added: “An Olympiad was the one of the more effective events to hold as sport, both in and out of the Royal Navy, is an ideal way to promote team work and bonding.

"It also provides a fantastic stage to encourage and extract leadership from personnel, both the younger and older serving, wouldn’t ordinarily be that position to do so. And, although we do work hard, we also have our time to play just the same.

"This, I hope is only the beginning of the fantastic opportunities we as a ship can take advantage of.”

Teams were made up from all the departments onboard and the winners were the weapon engineering department. The ship’s captain Commander Stephen Anderson presented the team with prizes and congratulated everyone involved.