June 11, 2026
Team Australia unveils uniform in Dusseldorf ahead of Invictus Germany Sports Festival 2026
Team Australia has officially arrived in Dusseldorf, ahead of the Invictus Germany Sports Festival 2026, where 20 wounded, injured and ill veterans will represent the nation across four adaptive sports.
The team touched down on Tuesday and has since come together for a uniform presentation, marking the beginning of an inspiring weekend of competition.
The Invictus Germany Sports Festival will see competitors from Invictus community nations take part in table tennis, sitting volleyball, indoor rowing and cycling (spin). For Team Australia, the event is not only an opportunity to compete on the international stage, but also a meaningful milestone in each competitor’s personal recovery journey following physical or invisible injuries sustained during their service.
For the second time, Team Australia will wear uniforms featuring the Indigenous designs of First Nations artist Jody‑Sherie Godfrey, following their debut at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.
Godfrey’s striking artwork, titled Connection, was designed during the COVID period and was inspired by the importance of staying connected through challenging times and its return reflects the strong connection the team felt to the piece. The large circles represent interconnected communities and the vital role connection plays in countering isolation, while the footprints woven throughout the design serve as a reminder to keep moving forward – a message that aligns closely with the resilience and recovery journeys of Team Australia’s competitors.
Speaking at the uniform unveiling, Team Australia competitor Vanessa Sutton spoke about what it meant to put the green and gold uniform on for the first time.
“It was a big moment, putting on the Team Australia uniform. The last time I really put on a uniform was when I was serving. It was a nice come home moment alongside my fellow veterans.”
For Vanessa, who will compete in indoor rowing, cycling and table tennis, sport has played an important role in rebuilding life after service. Through the Invictus pathway, it has supported not only her physical recovery, but also her mental wellbeing, confidence and sense of identity.
For me, sport has played a critical role across physical, mental and social recovery, helping me rebuild not just my strength, but my confidence and regain a sense of identity,”
As she prepares to represent Australia in Düsseldorf, Vanessa said the experience is about much more than competition.
“To be here with Team Australia, surrounded by people who understand that journey, means a lot. There is pride in wearing the uniform, but there is also a real sense of belonging.”
The Invictus Germany Sports Festival will run from Friday 12 – Sunday 14 June 2026.
To learn more about the competitors representing Australia in Düsseldorf, visit our Team Australia page and explore their individual stories.
Images from the uniform moment were captured by Team Australia competitor Timothy Pates, whose own recovery journey has included finding photography after service. For Tim, being behind the camera in Düsseldorf brought together two important parts of that journey: the connection of the Invictus community and the creative outlet that has helped him move forward.
“Photography became something I threw myself into after service,” Tim said. “It gave me a way to focus, to connect with people and to see the world a little differently again. To be here with Team Australia, capturing my teammates as they put on the green and gold, feels pretty special. Sport and photography have both helped me find connection again, so to have those two parts of my life come together in this moment means a lot.”
Team Australia at Invictus Germany Sports Festival is proudly backed by Presenting Partner Optus and Supporting Partner Austability, whose support plays a vital role in bringing the Invictus Australia mission to life.
Invictus Australia Media Contact (In Aus)
Michelle Cook
Invictus Australia
M: 0414 702 697
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