16 March 2022
Engineering company and owner of Cambridge Airport, Marshall, is to partner with the world’s only all amputee formation aerobatic display team, Team Phoenix.
The two will work together to promote inclusivity and inspire young people to fulfil their ambitions.
Both of Team Phoenix’s display pilots are above and below knee amputees who will be flying Russian high performance military aircraft in breath taking displays of aerobatics.
Mike Wildeman, team leader of Team Phoenix, said, “Team Phoenix is delighted to partner with Marshall in what we see as the start of an exciting relationship.
“We are all about demonstrating to people of all ages and backgrounds that, with the right support and opportunities, they can overcome many of the challenges that life might throw at them and achieve extraordinary things.
“Marshall shares that philosophy and already has a fantastic reputation for the work that it does in its local communities and, in particular, for the employment opportunities it provides to young people through its STEM activity and award winning apprenticeship scheme.
“Like all charities we rely enormously on the support of our partners and hope that by working together, we are able to inspire current and future generations and show that even against adversity, truly anything is possible.”
Marshall CEO Kathy Jenkins added, “We have all been inspired by the Team Phoenix story, they are the very embodiment of our organisational purpose, Building Extraordinary Futures, and I am very excited to see what we are able achieve together this year.
“As well as supporting the team’s airshow programme we will be partnering on broader education outreach activity, promoting careers in STEM and demonstrating that absolutely everyone has the potential to be extraordinary.”
Team Phoenix’s display features graceful aerobatics with the aircraft looping and rolling in close formation just two metres apart.
The aim is to showcase the abilities of disabled people, to act as an inspiration to the public and to carry a message of inclusivity and diversity.
“Our pilots will interact with the public and businesses to promote their unique message,” said the team statement. “The team can be booked for all public events and airshows.”
