Breaking Barriers: Sean Grimmond’s Story of Resilience and Team Spirit
After an electrifying opening ceremony, Team Australia’s Wheelchair Basketball Team took to the court at the Vancouver Convention Centre, to kick off their Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 campaign. Led by Captain Torben Louwen-Skovdam, the Team took on Georgia, in a close match with Georgia taking the win 12-9.
The team showcased a brilliant display of defence against Georgia, proving how they’ve grown together to refine their game throughout their training sessions. The competitors weren’t on the court alone, they had the support of their family, friends and fellow competitors, cheering them on courtside.
From isolation to team sport: Sean’s Story
Making his Wheelchair Basketball debut as part of Team Australia was Sean Grimmond, a South Australian based veteran who credits community sport to getting him out of the house post injury.
Sean has been an avid sportsperson since he was four years old, participating in little athletics, soccer, rugby union and cricket at different stages of his life to maintain his physical and mental wellbeing. During his time in the Air Force, Sean sustained a back injury which severely limited his mobility. Post injury he rehabilitated his back, working to return to work and continue in his his service. Years following this injury Sean returned from a mission, which saw mental trauma, in the form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Because of his previous positive experiences, Sean knew how integral sport could be in his physical and mental recovery. This was one of the reasons why Sean says he was introduced to Invictus Australia Local Engagement Manager Vanessa Broughill by his Open Arms peer advisor.
“I told [my peer advisor] about my experience with sport and how in the past it had played a central role in my wellbeing, supporting my physical and mental health and my social networks, and he suggested I reach out to Invictus Australia. Since then, I’ve been able to try a lot of sports that I have never experienced before and met a lot of welcoming and friendly people.”
Through sport Sean was able to build confidence and form connections, giving him the courage to apply for the Invictus Games.
At first, I always thought the Invictus Games were for someone else – I wasn’t injured enough, I hadn’t served enough, I didn’t deserve the opportunity. I understand now that isn’t true.”
Sean continued, “I am incredibly grateful that I have people supporting me who encouraged me to apply and after a lot of thought and consideration I put in the application and haven’t looked back.”
Sean’s Love for Wheelchair Sports
Sean’s passion for wheelchair sports shone through when he hit the court with Team Australia in this evening’s match. For Sean, it is the camaraderie and supportiveness of the team that makes him love the sport, he shared;
“My favourite thing about wheelchair sports is that all of us can compete together as a team regardless of what injuries people might have. Sean continued;
When we all get in the chairs together, we forget about our physical limitations and focus on what we can do.”
When we all get in the chairs together, we forget about our physical limitations and focus on what we can do.”
This inclusive spirit and team camaraderie have been central to Sean’s positive experience and recovery journey.
Plans for Life After the Games
Looking ahead, Sean is determined to continue the progress he’s made through the Invictus Games program. He reveals, “It is really important to me that the progress I’ve made on the Invictus Games program continues after I come home from Canada. I’ve joined a wheelchair basketball team in Adelaide and made a lot of friends and I’m really enjoying the competition, and I intend to continue playing. I’m also going to go to as many Invictus Australia events as possible and I’m keen to try dragon boating, pickleball, archery, anything and everything, because who knows what sport will be a good fit. I would never have predicted I would be so into wheelchair basketball or that it would have had such a positive impact on me.”
Embracing this mindset has allowed Sean to reconnect with soccer in a new capacity. “With this renewed mindset, I’ve been able to return to soccer, even though I can’t play or officiate like I used to, I do have a lot to offer as a referee coach.”
Sean will continue his Invictus Games campaign alongside Team Australia when they take on The United States of America tomorrow at Vancouver Convention Center.
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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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.
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