Day 8 saw Australia bring the heat as the Sitting Volleyball competition took place. Despite their differences, this team of 13 are united by a deep sense of camaraderie and resilience. After competing at the Australian Sitting Volleyball Championships last year, they strengthened not just their skills but their bond as a team. Through training sessions and mutual support, they’ve become a tight-knit group, each player pushing the other to perform at their best, evident in their performance today.

The team’s pool matches saw them take on host country Canada, in a fast-paced, exciting game with Team Australia taking the win 2-1. Next, they took on Team Unconquered 2. Motivated by their green and gold cheer squad, Australia was able to secure a straight sets win. Point margins meant the team finished up second in their pool, narrowly missing out on advancing to the semi-finals, but that didn’t stop them from celebrating an incredible campaign.

Despite this inspiring performance, many on the team had never been exposed to the sport of sitting volleyball before, including competitor, Adam Jackson. Now, this adaptive sport has become one of Adam’s favourites. He was even selected alongside fellow competitor Luke Manhire to represent Australia last year at the World ParaVolley Asia-Oceania Sitting Volleyball Club Cup in Hangzhou, China. 

Discovering Sitting Volleyball 

In 2020, Army veteran Adam Jackson suffered a massive stroke, which left him completely paralysed on his right side. Told by doctors he may never walk again, Adam thought that participating in sport was no longer a possibility. However, he never gave up – attributing his fitness pre-injury to his strong and speedy recovery:

“Being physically fit before my stroke helped me recover quicker. I had to learn to move, walk, eat, speak and write again. I went from being paralysed to walking and trying to run within 2 months.”

This incredible recovery meant Adam could get into adaptive sports, which is where he found out about Sitting Volleyball – a sport he quickly grew to love.

“With my disability, I can only use one arm, which limits the team sports I can participate in. The things I love most about sitting volleyball are the fun I have playing with my teammates and playing a phenomenal sport that tests my abilities,” Adam explains. 

Adam recognises that the inclusivity and acceptance within the team also makes this experience so special to him: “Within the Australian Team, we have different defence services, ranks, and genders, but through our differences, we create a special bond to support each other. This bond makes the team stronger and helps us throughout the Games,” he notes. 

A Pathway to New Opportunities 

The Invictus Games Adaptive Sport Program has been life-changing for Adam. “Throughout my rehabilitation journey, I never thought I would get the chance to represent Australia or play competitive sport. The Adaptive Sport Program has not only made both possible but has also given me the opportunity to compete in Parasport outside the Adaptive Sport Program,” he says. 

One of these opportunities was being selected, alongside Luke, to represent Australia on a Sitting Volleyball Development Camp in China in October 2024 through Volleyball Australia.

Looking Ahead 

Beyond the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 Adam is looking forward to continuing his involvement in Sitting Volleyball and exploring more Parasport opportunities. “The Adaptive Sport Program has opened doors I never imagined.” he reflects. 

Keep up to date with all the action

The Invictus Games is an international, adaptive multi-sports competition for serving and former military personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill during their military service. Team Australia is delivered in partnership between Invictus Australia and the Australian Defence Force, and consists of 33 competitors.  

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Read live updates from Canada, get to know Team Australia and learn how to connect through sport in your local community via our Team Australia Invictus Games 2025 hub. Head to the hub below.

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About the Invictus Games

The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 Invictus Games takes place from the 8th – 16th February in Canada. Invictus Australia, in partnership with the Australian Defence Force, are supporting 33 former and current serving competitors as part of Team Australia.

The Invictus Games is an international adaptive sporting event for serving and former serving military personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill during their military service. Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, is the Patron of the Invictus Games. The Games uses the healing power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and celebrate the crucial role played by family and friends.

About Invictus Australia: Invictus Australia encourages veterans and their families to connect and engage with their communities through sport. Whether participating or volunteering at grassroots level, to competing internationally at an Invictus or Warrior Games, Invictus Australia leverages the power of sport to proactively foster good health and aid in recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration. Invictus Australia promotes the physical, social and emotional benefits of sport for all, and shine a light on the unique needs of younger veterans, particularly the challenges associated with transitioning from military to civilian life.