Staff engagement through Invictus fundraiser – NEC Australia supports ZERO600
NEC Australia pledges support to Invictus Australia with ZERO600 Challenge
NEC Australia is pleased to announce its participation in the Invictus Australia ZERO600 Challenge, an annual fundraising campaign which aims to raise money to support sporting programs for veterans and their families.
The critical fundraising effort takes place from 4-9 June 2023, with NEC Australia launching its support efforts on 4 May 2023 to encourage staff to participate with multiple events around the country.
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As part of a team or individually, participants register to wake up at 6am for 6 days to ‘get connected and active’ through group or solo exercise. Donations go directly to funding sport and recreation initiatives which empower veterans to strengthen their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
At the Sydney NECA launch, Invictus Australia Regional Veteran Engagement Manager, Jye Martyn shared his personal story with about how sport saved his life after a debilitating back injury while serving. The mental, physical and emotional benefits of getting into adaptive rugby league led to further breakthroughs, allowing him to play one of his favourite pastimes golf. Jye believed he would never play either sport again post his injury & subsequent discharge from the military. Now Jye coaches two of his daughter’s soccer teams and works supporting veterans & families wellbeing through sport, with Invictus Australia. According to Jye, he is living his best life thanks to the impact of sport.
L-R: Michael Hartung CEO Invictus Australia, David Borean, VP Brand & Customer Experience NECA, Rodney Cottam ZERO600 Ambassador, Jye Martyn Invictus Aus Engagement Manager
ZERO600 Ambassador Rodney Cottam also shared his story with staff, about how running builds his resilience and mental fortitude after sustaining a permanent disability while serving, 20 years ago. And not just any running – ultra, epic, endurance running. His upcoming 500km in 5 days run, to raise funds for Invictus Australia, takes place in July 2023.
Invictus Australia is a not-for-profit organisation which was launched at the end of the 2018 Sydney Invictus Games. Australia is the first country to take the Invictus mission outside of the games by partnering with major and national sporting organisations to deliver opportunities for veterans and their families – from local community sport participation right through to competing at the Invictus Games.
Partnering for veteran impact
NEC Australia has been a Premier Partner of Invictus Australia since August 2022 and continues to support the foundations of the Invictus movement and their programs, initiatives and offers to support the Australian Defence community.
“Our partnership with Invictus Australia has been an incredible and rewarding experience which has gone hand in hand with our commitment to support the Defence industry, and the tremendous work they do for Australians,” said NEC ANZ CEO Jason Price.
“Currently, Australia loses six veterans a month to suicide. Whether you know a veteran or are one yourself, the ZERO600 Challenge is a simple way to contribute to the incredible work Invictus Australia do shining a light on veteran issues.”
Michael Hartung, CEO of Invictus Australia, added, “NEC Australia’s high level of engagement with ZERO600 across all facets of their business, and kick off sessions at all their offices, is yet another example of their commitment to current & former serving veterans and our mission to strengthen veteran wellbeing through sport”.
“The support provided by NEC and their staff is helping us support Australia’s Invictus Team as well as the variety of programs we support in local communities, currently providing opportunities to thousands of veterans and their families around Australia. We are grateful for NEC Australia getting behind ZER0600, and can’t wait to see how Team NEC rise with us this June.”
The fundraising events comes as Team Australia members prepare for the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany in September 2023. 31 competitors will represent Australia at the multi-sports competition exclusively designed for current serving and former military personnel who have become injured or ill during service.
“We congratulate those selected to compete this year and wish them every success. We look forward to watching them represent Australia, themselves, and the Invictus name which continues to inspire and support those in need,” said Price.
More information about the ZERO600 challenge and details on how to register can be found here.
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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
About Zero600
The ZERO600 Challenge from 4-9 June 2023 is an important annual fundraising campaign for Invictus Australia, raising funds for veterans and their families.
Invictus Australia’s frontline staff, members of the Veteran community, deliver sport and recreational programs all around Australia throughout the year. Please get in touch if you would like to find an activity for you or your family.
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