Invictus Games Australian training squad

Minister for Defence Personnel Dan Tehan said serving and former serving military personnel were competing for a spot in the Australian team to compete at the 2017 Invictus Games.

Mr Tehan said 53 athletes were competing in a range of events as part of a training camp in Canberra, with the final team of 43 to be named later this year.

The Invictus Games are an initiative of Prince Harry that started in 2014 to 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 in defence of their nation.

More than 550 serving and former serving military personnel from up to 17 nations will participate in the Games.

“The Invictus Games celebrate the fighting spirit of the men and women of our Armed Forces and encourages them to stay active when they return to their communities,” Mr Tehan said.

“The athletes are in-training for a variety of individual and team sports including swimming, archery, cycling, track and field, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis, powerlifting and indoor rowing.

“In addition to physically preparing for the Games, the focus of the training camps is to build team camaraderie and support the athletes on their journey.

“Australia’s participation in the Invictus Games provides the community with an opportunity to be inspired by the courage, determination and achievements of our wounded, injured and ill current and former serving military members.”

The ADF has been involved with the Invictus Games since its inception, competing in London in 2014 and in Orlando, Florida last year. Australia will host the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney.

More information on the Invictus Games is available at: www.defence.gov.au/events/invictusgames

Media note:

Imagery of the Invictus Games training squad is available at:
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