INVICTUS GAMES ATHLETES GEAR UP FOR TORONTO

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne today presented Australia’s Invictus Games team with their official team uniforms ahead of their departure to the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada.

Forty-three serving and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill in service will compete in the international adaptive multi-sports competition that brings together more than 550 serving and former serving military personnel from 17 nations.

Minister Payne farewelled the team at their training camp in Narrabeen, New South Wales, today.

“On behalf of the Australian Government, I wish our team the very best for this year’s games,” Minister Payne said.

“Each athlete has an inspirational story of overcoming adversity and we are very proud they are representing Australia.”

The ADF and the Returned and Services League are supporting a combined team to compete at the games.

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

“The athletes have sustained a variety of physical and psychological injuries during their military service,” Minister Payne said.

“The Adaptive Sports Program, including the Invictus Games, is a very tangible way the ADF is supporting its wounded, injured and ill members, and I hope that this experience gives them renewed confidence to face future challenges in their rehabilitation.”

During the Invictus Games, which begins on 23 September 2017, athletes will participate in individual and team sports, including swimming, archery, cycling, track and field, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis, powerlifting, indoor rowing and golf.

Australia will host the fourth Invictus Games in Sydney from 20-27 October 2018.

More information about the 2017 Australian team and images are available at:  www.defence.gov.au/events/invictusgames.