Assistant Minister for Defence - Invictus Games – a triumph of the spirit

Australian athletes have begun returning home from the inaugural Invictus Games in London where the team claimed a total of 21 medals.

The Invictus Games is an adaptive multi-sport competition for serving and former serving wounded, injured and ill military members. The Australian Defence Force and the Returned and Services League supported a team of 36 athletes, who participated in four days of intense competition with athletes from 13 other countries.

The first group of returning athletes arrived at Sydney Airport early this morning.

Assistant Minister for Defence Stuart Robert congratulated the Australian competitors on their performances.

“Your participation in these games is a personal victory in itself. Each of you has overcome huge physical and mental challenges just to reach the competition in London,” Mr Robert said.

“By joining this Australian team and taking on your counterparts from other countries, you have proven that you have an unconquerable spirit.

“Competitive sport can be a powerful support to recovery and rehabilitation. I hope that all athletes can draw on the passion and determination that you have shown at the Invictus Games when confronting challenges into the future.”

The Invictus Games is championed by His Royal Highness Prince Harry. His Royal Highness Prince Charles Prince of Wales presented medals to some of the Australian competitors.

The Australians won six gold medals, nine silver and six bronze in events such as athletics, cycling, archery, swimming and rowing.

Media note:

Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20142348

More information about the Invictus Games is available at: http://www.defence.gov.au/Events/InvictusGames/

Media contacts:

Richard Briedis (Minister Robert’s office) (02) 6277 7730 or 0477 391 174

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999