'A testament to the strength, spirit, and recovery journeys': Australian team selected for Invictus Games
Thirty-three athletes have been selected to represent Australia at next year's Invictus Games, an international multi-sport event for injured and ill servicemen and servicewomen.
Matt Keogh, the minister for veterans' affairs and defence personnel, announced on Wednesday the men and women set to compete at the Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler in February.
"The Invictus Games is a testament to the strength, spirit, and recovery journeys of those who have sacrificed for their country," Keogh said.
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"These 33 members of Team Australia are a mix of both current and former serving military personnel who have been wounded, injured, or become ill during their service.
"The Invictus Games is a unique platform for participants to harness the power of sport in their recovery journey.
"... Engagement in sport has long been recognised as a key factor in rehabilitation and recovery for veterans."
Thirty-three athletes have been selected to compete for Australia at next year's Invictus Games. Department of Defence
For the first time since the Invictus Games was introduced in 2014, both summer and winter adaptive sports will be contested, including alpine skiing, snowboarding, indoor rowing, biathlon, nordic skiing, sitting volleyball, skeleton, swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair curling and wheelchair rugby.
The Invictus Games were founded by Prince Harry, who at the 2013 Warrior Games witnessed how the power of sport could help wounded servicemen and servicewomen in their recovery — physically, psychologically and socially.
"Invictus Australia not only supports veterans through international events, but their community sport program plays a huge role in supporting veterans transition to civilian life," Keogh said.
Team Australia
Jarryd Boyd, Justin Brown, Katie Chapman, Cindy Chawner, Jake Christie, Chelsie Clayton, Nigel Coutts, Belinda Culley, Elizabeth Daly, Alexander Gair, Danny Giles, Kaz Gladysz, Dane Greenstreet, Doug Griffiths, Sean Grimmond, Alex Hale, Christopher Hill, Adam Jackson, Ty King, Emily Lahey, Torben Louwen-Skovdam, Jo Lovell, Luke Manhire, Jason Marsh, Colin McCallum, Luke McCallum, Callan McLean, Olivia Miley-Dyer, Dave Miln, Sue Osborn, Jason Readdy, Tricia Reynolds, Jamie Smyth
