Team Veteran Shines at the Pan Pacific Masters Games
The Pan Pacific Masters Games (PPMG), held on the Gold Coast at the start of November, has grown to become the biggest biennial masters’ games in the world. These games bring together Australia and more than 30 other countries to compete in a range of sports, bringing thousands of competitors from around the world to celebrate sport, camaraderie, and connection. Among the standout participants were 64 veterans competing as part of Invictus Australia’s Team Veteran, showcasing the power of sport in recovery and resilience.
A Unique Connection: Why Team Veteran Stands Out
What makes Team Veteran so special at the Pan Pacific Masters Games is its ability to bring together veterans from all walks of life, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. For many participants, being part of this team is about more than competition—it’s about reconnecting with a supportive community and finding strength through shared experiences.
Bonds and Sports: The Heart of Team Veteran
The 64 veterans on Team Veteran competed across a wide range of sports, including swimming, indoor rowing, and pickleball. Beyond their performances, they built lasting connections and embodied the Invictus spirit. Veteran Kate summed up the experience beautifully. “My resilience is stronger because of Invictus Australia and Team Veteran.”
Hear From the Competitors
For many veterans, sport is a powerful tool for recovery and rediscovery post-service. For one of the Team Veteran members, David, sport has always been a big part of his life. David is a Royal Australian Navy veteran and came across Invictus Australia, when he was approached by Invictus Australia to lead a Pickleball “Come & Try” session. David’s passion for sport extends far beyond competition. He has spent decades volunteering in roles that keep sports organisations thriving.
For David, being part of Team Veteran, allowed him to connect with others who have served, whilst playing Pickleball, a sport he is very passionate about. He shares that being a part of the team was deeply meaningful, saying “I love the work that Invictus Australia does with both former and current service people and their families.”
One of the other Team veteran competitors, Kate, took on indoor rowing. For her, being a part of Team Veteran, made the experience unforgettable, she highlighted the supportive and empowering environment that the team provided and the camaraderie between teammates. She shared, “It was an amazing experience to share this journey with my Team Veteran mates and new friends. You had someone with you every race, encouraging the best out of you. Strength, endurance, and willpower were all put to the test in a supportive atmosphere.”
For Kate, the Games weren’t just about competition—they were about connection. “Our training group back home was sending us messages of support across the race days,” she added.
Looking Ahead
With Team Veteran’s inspiring stories, one thing is clear: the Invictus spirit is alive and thriving, proving once again that sport is not just about winning—it’s about healing, connecting, and finding a community of belonging.
As the games ended, the journey of those on Team Veteran is far from over. As you can hear from the experience of David and Kate, the Pan Pacific Masters showed the transformative role that sport plays in veterans’ lives. Through opportunities like activating Team Veteran at the Pan Pacific Masters, we continue to empower veterans to embrace resilience, build community, and thrive beyond their service through sport.
Thank you to the support of the Invictus Games Foundation who funded some places for wounded, injured and ill participants.
With the Australian Masters Games set for October 2025 in Canberra, Team Veteran will once again don the yellow and black jerseys and compete alongside other defence community members. To keep across opportunities such as this, make sure you sign up to our email marketing, this is where we will share any expressions of interest for competitive sporting opportunities.
Looking to get involved in sport in your region? Connect with our staff through your regions Facebook group or email support@invictusaustralia.org.
