November 26, 2025
Why Veterans Turned to Dragon Boating to Reconnect at the Australian Masters Games
At the 20th Edition of the Australian Masters Games, held in Canberra, more than 150 veterans and family members came together under the banner of Team Veteran. The multisport event had over 50 sports, with the Team Veteran initiative giving members of the defence community a simple way to connect, no matter what sport they were competing in, or whether they were volunteering, coaching or cheering from the sidelines.
Research has shown how important organised sporting events can be for veterans and families. They create routine through training, foster belonging and provide a sense of purpose. For those in Team Veteran, feeling that sense of connection with those who have had similar experiences was just as valuable as any finishing time or place they achieved.
This collaborative spirit was on full display at one of the most energising events of the week, where the Team Veteran Dragon Boat crew took to the water for their debut. The team was made of a range of veterans and supporters, formed mostly from Alumni from the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. Despite many of the team having never tried the sport before, they were full of excitement to get in the boat and give it a crack, in the true Invictus spirit.
Team Veteran, Brought Together by Shared Experience
While Team Veteran encompassed participants across a range of sports at the Masters Games, the Dragon Boat squad quickly became one of the standout stories. The team was guided by coach Ray Bennie, a former Navy Physical Trainer and experienced dragon boat coach who has been paddling since 2009.
Ray was invited to lead and steer the team, and he didn’t hesitate to take up the opportunity.
“Since nippers in 1970, I’ve always been involved in team sport and thoroughly enjoy getting involved with the defence community.”
Joining him were fellow experienced paddlers and veterans, Peter Teichmann and members of the Beiloon and Gypsy Dragon Boating clubs, who helped support the predominantly novice team. Together, they created a safe, encouraging environment for dragon boating newbies to give the sport a go.
Among the beginners were Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler2025 alumni Tricia Reynolds and Alex Gair, both of whom had competed earlier this year in Canada and were eager to continue using sport to connect beyond the bonds forged on the world stage.
How the Team Was Born
The idea for a Dragon Boat team sparked at this year’s Beyond the Games Camp in March, which brought together Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 and 2024 Warrior Games competitors to reconnect, decompress and explore ways to continue their recovery journey through sport and connection.
Alex recalls the moment clearly.
“We were discussing ways of keeping the team together. We decided it needed to be a team sport, and something everyone could participate in,” he says. “The Masters Games were on the horizon, so we looked at what sports were on offer. That’s when we came up with the idea of submitting a Dragon Boating team.”
Alex enlisted the help of Ray and Peter, both veterans and experienced paddlers, to bring the team to life. Dragon boating was chosen because of its inclusivity, accessibility and the abundance of clubs and events across Australia.
“Dragon Boating is a sport that can be done at any local club,” Alex explains. “There are plenty of events around the country, and we can come together at big events to compete as a team.”
For many participants, including Tricia, even though sport was brand new, that didn’t dampen her excitement to participate.
“What was a throwaway idea one night at camp becoming a reality was so fun to watch evolve,” Tricia says. “Having people fly from interstate just shows the power sport has on us.”
Most of the team had never paddled before. They were taught the basics on land, jumped into the boat soon after, and before they knew it, they were racing as a unified crew in both the 200-meter and 1000-meter races, even picking up fourth place in the 1000m.
Why This Dragon Boating experience mattered
While the competition was thrilling, every team member shared the same answer when asked what made the experience special: connection.
“Being around my old teammates and meeting new people – that was my favourite part.”
Tricia shared. “Wearing the Team Veteran shirt attracted so much positive attention. Everyone was willing to chip in and help.”
She also embraced an unexpected role: official drummer.
“For a rough and ready group of individuals, most of whom had never paddled before, we did outstandingly well!”
Alex echoes this sentiment.
“My favourite part was being part of a team,” he shares.
“The emphasis was on participation and keeping the connections we established at the Games going.”
This aligns closely with research, which highlights that team sports provide a structured environment similar to military units, restoring a sense of camaraderie while also enabling veterans to build new friendships. Group-based activities are shown to counteract social isolation, while participation in clubs helps integrate veterans into civilian communities and reduce feelings of disconnection.
Ray, who has coached countless teams, felt that sense of purpose too.
“I enjoy getting with veterans for any activity,” he says simply. His passion for sport and for the people in front of him, left a lasting mark on the group.
A Reminder of the Power of Sport
The Team Veteran Dragon Boating experience at the Australian Masters Games was a celebration of what happens when veterans and families are given opportunities to stay active, connected and involved in their community.
It showcases how sport can be a pathway to fostering wellbeing, connection and long-term positive health outcomes. Being part of the team sparked new friendships, new confidence and even a new hobby for many of the crew.
As Alex puts it:
“Sport has given me motivation to live a healthy lifestyle. It’s been an outlet for mental health and helped me establish lifelong friends.”
Get Involved
If you’re a veteran or family member looking to connect, try something new, or rediscover the joy of being part of a team, local sporting opportunities are available in communities across the country.
Join your local Facebook group or head to our events calendar to find a sporting opportunity near you.
Looking to get involved in sport in your region? Connect with our staff through your regions Facebook group
- ACT Local Facebook group
- SA Local Facebook group
- Sth East QLD Facebook group
- Nth QLD Facebook group
- Nth NSW Local Facebook group
- NSW Sth Coast Local Facebook group
- Victoria Facebook Group
- WA Facebook Group
- TAS Facebook Group
- NT Facebook Group
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