Invictus Games flag-bearer named
Peter Brown has been announced as the team Australia flag-bearer for the Invictus Games The Hague 2020.
CAPTION: Governor-General General (retd) David Hurley congratulates Peter Brown as Australia’s Invictus Games flag bearer during the farewell function at Admiralty House in Sydney. Photo by Sergeant Oliver Carter.
The announcement was made last night during a farewell Invictus Games reception for competitors hosted at Admiralty House, Sydney, by the Governor-General, Gen (retd) David Hurley, and his wife, Linda Hurley.
Mr Brown said he was overwhelmed and humbled by the honour bestowed upon him.
“This is such a privilege. It hasn’t sunk in yet,” Mr Brown said.
“The Invictus Games has opened up a new chapter to my life; a whole new lease of life for me, and given me the opportunity to meet some quality people.”
To this end, the Governor-General, a great supporter of the Invictus Games, reminded the 32 serving and former serving competitors in attendance that the spirit of mateship was at the heart of the Invictus story, with its motto of ‘unconquered together’.
“It is that core message of mateship that is an inspiration to all – competitors, Defence families and the wider community,” General Hurley said.
“The Games, as we know, use the power of sport to motivate recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and appreciation of the sacrifices made by wounded, injured and ill military personnel.
“I said in 2018 that the marriage of mateship and sport would be the legacy of the Invictus Games Sydney.
“If The Hague is anything like Sydney, I know this will be extraordinary.”
Chef de Mission Brigadier Phil Winter said the competitors were on the cusp of fulfilling a dream to compete on behalf of their country at the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 following a two-year hiatus as the world recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said the team had sought to develop a strong culture over the past two years.
“It’s an honour to be selected, to be humble in success, supportive of others, respectful of the Invictus movement and conscious of being an ambassador for the Australian Defence Force, their families and indeed the nation,” Brigadier Winter said.
The Invictus Games is an international, adaptive multi-sports competition for serving and former military personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill during their military service.
Up to 500 serving and former serving personnel from 20 nations will battle it out from April 16-22 in individual and team sports, including archery, athletics, indoor rowing, powerlifting, road cycling, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and the Jaguar Land Rover driving challenge.
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