Healing power of volunteering in sport
Invictus Australia has created this four-part Harnessing the Power of Sport video series showcases that you don’t have to compete in sport to reap the benefits.
Introduced by veteran, Invictus Games competitor and Paralympian Curtis McGrath OAM, this video demonstrates how coaching, mentoring, officiating and volunteering can have positive and lasting benefits for veteran’s rehabilitation, recovery and wellbeing.
Opportunities exist around the country in a myriad of sports from the NRL’s Battlefield to Footy Fields refereeing program, to volunteering at your local parkrun.
Here we feature Saltwater Veterans, a passion project for veterans Scott Reynolds and Craig McGrath, facilitated by Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club and initiated by Tom Spithill and now supported by dedicated volunteers and generous members who donate their yachts and time.
According to Scott, sailing has been a catalyst for his social integration back into the community following transitioning out of Defence, which is often a challenging time for veterans. While Reynolds started as a participant, he now almost runs the show!
To find out how to get involved in opportunities near you, get in touch today.
A huge thank you to every member of the veteran community who volunteered to be part of the series and shared your amazing stories. Your contributions were incredible.
Many thanks also to the members of the Working Group who collaborated with VSA and donated their time, experience and insights to ensure these videos were a success – Robert Swanwick, Amanda Scott, Clare Serafini, Rachel Kerrigan, Invictus Games Team to The Hague co-captains Sarah Petchell and Shane Bramley, Ben Carbis and Project Lead Michelle Cook.
We also want to acknowledge and thank the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for funding this project through the Supporting Younger Veterans Grants Program.
More in this series
