Invictus Games coming to Sydney

Minister for Defence Marise Payne and Minister for Defence Personnel Dan Tehan today welcomed the announcement that Sydney, Australia, will host the Invictus Games in 2018.

Photo by Brian Hartigan
Digitally modified by CONTACT

The international adaptive multi-sports competition will bring together serving and former serving military personnel from up to 17 nations, who have been wounded, injured or become ill in service.

The games use the power of sport to motivate recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of the sacrifices made by the men and women who serve their country.

Minister Payne said she was delighted the Invictus legacy would continue when Sydney hosts the fourth Invictus Games.

“These Games have shone a light on the unconquerable character of servicemen and women, their families and the invictus spirit, and it will be a great honour to host the 2018 games on Australian soil,” Minister Payne said.

Mr Tehan said the 2018 games would coincide with the culmination of the Centenary of Anzac period, August 2014 to Remembrance Day 2018, which is Australia’s most significant period of national commemoration marking 100 years since our involvement in the First World War.

“Having the Invictus Games in their own backyard during the Centenary, will provide Australians with a unique opportunity to commemorate and honour the country’s wounded, injured and ill personnel who have defended our values and freedoms, in wars, conflicts and peace operations over a century of service. It is also an opportunity to recognise their families,” Mr Tehan said.

The Australian Defence Force has been involved with the Invictus Games since its inception, competing in London in 2014 and Orlando earlier this year.

The ADF is also sending a team to Toronto for the games in September 2017.

“The physical and mental benefits of training and competition for events like the Invictus Games are invaluable to the individual, their family and friends,” Minister Payne said.

Athletes will participate in both individual and team sports including swimming, archery, cycling, track and field, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis, powerlifting and indoor rowing.

A Defence spokesman said Australia’s involvement in the Invictus Games was part of a broader adaptive-sports program sponsored by the ADF and Returned Services League, in which current and former serving wounded, injured and ill members participate in a variety of competitions.

“Promoting positive mental health and providing the necessary care, rehabilitation and support to ADF personnel who are wounded, injured or ill is one of Defence’s highest priorities,” the Defence spokesman said.

“ADF members have access to high-quality and integrated health treatment and occupational rehabilitation.”

More information on Invictus Games and imagery are available at:  www.defence.gov.au/events/invictusgames
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