The screech of metal on metal as wheels collided, the slam as bodies hit the floor and the constant calls between teammates – Wheelchair Basketball kept us on the edge of our seats! With the wheelchair considered part of a player’s body, charging, blocking and scoring is a spectacle of epic proportions. 

Powerlifting is a strength competition, but at Invictus the emphasis isn’t just on the body. With strength of character on display for the world to see, our Powerlifters did themselves, their country and the Invictus community proud.

Read below for all the highlights from Day Six at the Invictus Games The Hague 2022.

aussie powerlifters raise the bar

The effort as each competitor attempts to lift the most weight is one of the purest measures of ability and a compelling contest of strength and focus, witnessed today in the Powerlifting.

There are three categories: lightweight, midweight and heavyweight, for men & women. 

One of the most moving moments of the day was when Gabriel Ramon embraced his coach & friend, Rachel Kerrigan, and brought her and the team coach to the podium to share in his success. Read the story of how Invictus Australia Veteran Engagement Specialist Rachel, met Gab and encouraged his sporting journey to recovery. 

There were podium moments but also incredible personal bests, as the team gave it their all. Ashley Muir is just one example of an Aussie competitor who dug deep and lifted more than he’s ever managed before. 

Other results:

• Taryn Barbara, Women’s Lightweight Gold
• Emilea Mysko, Women’s Lightweight Bronze
• Sarah Petchell, Women’s Heavyweight Gold
• Gabriel Ramon, Men’s Heavyweight Silver

rolling on with wheelchair basketball

Wheelchair basketball remains one of the most popular sports at the Games, and owes its history to the desire of World War II veterans with spinal cord injuries to become active again. 

Team Australia did this legacy proud as they took the court against Canada, UK and the Netherlands in their pool matches.  

Despite not making it through to the finals, Team Australia played with courage and mateship, a shining example of the Invictus spirit. 

standing with ukraine

A special moment happened today as Team AUS united with Team Ukraine.

The team left their war torn nation to raise awareness of what’s happening in their country and show the world their determination and resilience.

The entire Invictus community – the Patron, nations, competitors and families – have embraced Team Ukraine throughout this week, showing we are Unconquered Together and sharing the message:

Ukraine we stand with you!

Table tennis announced for dusseldorf

Each Invictus Games brings a new sport to the table, and the Germans have added Table Tennis for INVICTUS GAMES DÜSSELDORF 2023.

Prince Harry, the Patron of the Invictus Games, played the first match with players from Germany at the Invictus Games in The Hague. From 9-16 September 2023 Düsseldorf will become #aHomeForRespect and will feature this inclusive and exciting sport for the very first time.

g’day from aussie business in the netherlands

It was great to meet with Australian businesses at the Grand Sofitel Hotel in Amsterdam to discuss the impact of sport on veteran and family recovery, the power of staying active and connected in communities and the Invictus spirit.

Thank you to the Australian Business In Europe Netherlands (ABIE-NL) for the invitation.

Fantastic to also have the Australian Ambassador to the Netherlands Matthew Neuhaus and Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) Commissioner to the Netherlands Annika Barton in attendance.

It was a great evening and discussion and we look forward to staying in touch!

are you a veteran?

– Find your own Invictus tribe in your local community (this means veteran-friendly, not elite competition!). Get in touch here or check out our local Facebook pages in NSW South Coast and Northern NSW. We will be adding more communities as we expand, but in the meantime, we can plug you into our national network of veteran-friendly sporting communities. 

– If you’re a veteran and would like to apply for the next Invictus Games, get in touch here.

keen to support our veterans?

– Do you want to be part of our family of corporate sponsors, who enable us to do this important work? We’d love to hear from you here!

– Support ZERO600: Düsseldorf is 18 months away, support us and sign up for the ZERO600 Morning Challenge or donate here. 

You can watch the action free on ABC iView.

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Invictus Australia Media Contact:

GoodPR; Phone: (02) 8502 2272; Email: hello@goodpr.com.au

Out of office hours: 0424 324 181 or 0427 400 961

More reading:

• Day Five – Gut wrenching displays at The Hague Invictus Games
• Day Four Invictus Games overview – spills and splashes
• Day Three Invictus Games Wrap – Competing is reward enough
• Day Two Invictus Games Wrap – Camaraderie and the spirit of Invictus
• Day One Wrap of Invictus Games 2022
• A Royal Welcome and fond farewells for Team Australia