Perfect partnership with Pickleball and Invictus
Invictus Australia and Pickleball Australia are delighted to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide opportunities and pathways for veterans and their families, of all abilities, to participate in pickleball. Pickleball, the fastest growing sport in the world, is a “racquet and ball” sport with a perfect balance of court dimensions, rules, and equipment to afford all skill levels and age groups enjoyment and success on court.
The alliance between Invictus Australia and Pickleball Australia (PAA) is a perfect match, driven by the shared values of inclusivity and accessibility. With a strong commitment to equity and diversity, PAA strives to create an environment that embraces individuals from all walks of life. This makes pickleball a suitable option for the entire spectrum of veterans and families that Invictus Australia aims to support. Whether veterans are wounded, injured, and in need of adaptive options, or simply seeking a fun and challenging activity to enhance their mental, physical, and social well-being, pickleball offers a versatile and enjoyable experience.
Brendan Lee, the Executive Officer of the PAA, echoes that sentiment.
“Invictus Australia continues to create local, sustainable approaches to improve the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families. Pickleball Australia are looking forward to working with Invictus Australia to create opportunities for veterans and their families to try the emerging sport of pickleball and bring our communities together.”
Pickleball has been an extremely popular event at recent ‘Come & Try’ days organised by Invictus Australia in Canberra and Toowoomba. These multi-sport events, which cater to veterans and families, serve as a platform to foster connections with National Sporting Organisations (NSO’s) and other ex-service providers, leading to ongoing involvement in the local community. The success of these events led to the formulation of the national MOU to strengthen the partnership and access to pickleball for the veteran community and their families. We look forward to hosting more multi-sport and pickleball-exclusive events around Australia in the near future.
Having witnessed first-hand the profound impact that sport can have on veterans, Toni Cumpston, Director of Participation & Impact at Invictus Australia, is thrilled with this new partnership outcome.
“Invictus Australia are delighted to announce our partnership with Pickleball Australia, and look forward to introducing the Australia Defence Community to this inclusive sport. The opportunity to participate in pickleball either as a participant, official or volunteer provides another avenue for our veterans and their families to enhance their health and wellbeing through being active and connected to the community of pickleball.”
Pickleball has surged in popularity in Australia, following on from its significant success in America. PAA was established in 2020, and there are now more than 6,000 members and 20,000 players spread across the country, with more than 100 affiliate clubs ensuring that participants everywhere, regardless of their abilities, can engage in the sport and find a sense of community and belonging.
This MOU with PAA continues Invictus Australia’s unique approach to veterans wellbeing that leverages established sporting systems to deliver value to veterans and families through local collaborative efforts. With a focus on strengthening the mental, physical and social wellbeing of veterans and their families, Invictus Australia acts as a facilitator, connecting NSO’s with the local community through their network of local Veteran Engagement Managers.
Frontline staff from the Defence community themselves, Invictus Australia’s employees are passionate about sustainable and effective sporting solutions for other veterans and families in their local communities
By forging strategic partnerships with NSOs, Invictus Australia taps into their expertise, systems, equipment, and members to enable a wider range of sport and recreational opportunities. Through these collaborations, Invictus Australia enhances the accessibility and inclusivity of sport, creating pathways for veterans to participate and thrive.
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About Invictus Australia: Invictus Australia is the NFP responsible for organising the Invictus Games Sydney 2018. We carry on the legacy of the Games every day in local communities, as all veterans and their families can benefit from involvement with sporting communities, particularly ‘at risk’ veterans. As well as promoting the physical, social and emotional benefits of sport, Invictus Australia shines a light on the unique needs of younger veterans and the challenges they face as they transition from military to civilian life. Find out more at www.invictusaustralia.org
Looking to get involved in sport in your region? Connect with our staff through your regions Facebook group or email support@invictusaustralia.org
