TRANSLATING RESEARCH INTO ACTION
RESEARCH proves the value of sport for Veteran and Family Wellbeing
Sport changes lives and saves lives… and here’s the proof.
Invictus Australia, with the support of government and our partners, is prioritising the collection and application of research and data to help the Defence and Veteran sectors understand the value of sport to improve the wellbeing of veterans and their families. Following on from an assessment of existing research, Invictus Australia plans to establish a national Research Agenda on the benefits of sport for veterans and their families.
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Report highlighted the urgent need for more targeted, evidence-based approaches to improve veteran wellbeing. Invictus Australia has assessed that at least 34 of the 122 recommendations in the Report could utilise sport.
To inform the Research Agenda, Invictus Australia has commissioned two foundational studies: one exploring how sport supports wellbeing during transition, and another quantifying the economic benefits of sport-based initiatives. These reports provide critical insights to guide future policy, program design, and collaboration across the Defence and veteran support ecosystem.
Download the Reports
Veteran Sport Research Report
Explore how sport supports identity, connection, and wellbeing during the transition from service to civilian life.
This evidence-based report, authored by Associate Professor Miranda Van Hooff, explores how sport supports the mental, physical, and social wellbeing of veterans and their families during the transition from military to civilian life. It draws together findings from over 170 sources and identifies 11 key impact areas including mental health, identity, family relationships, and employment, where sport plays a transformative role.
Economic BENEFITS OF SPORT Report
Quantifies the cost savings and broader social value of sport-based initiatives for veterans and their families.
This foundational study, authored by Accenture, provides an economic analysis based on national data on the mental and physical health of Australian Defence Force members, including post-transition. It highlights elevated rates of PTSD, depression, and chronic illness among transitioned veterans and underscores the need for complementary interventions such as sport-based rehabilitation to reduce the financial burden on government in the future.
Invictus is a unique organisation, not just as a sporting organisation in Australia, but also as a world leader. I think people broadly are familiar with the Invictus Games and it’s starting in the UK. From what we saw started in the UK has spread out to different parts of the world and has actually been taken on by Invictus Australia in with a gusto that we have not seen in any other part of the world, and it is now leading the way and being a demonstration to back to the UK and back to other countries about what can be done, not just in having a great way of celebrating and supporting our veterans with disability through the games, but the importance that sport can play as a method of assisting transition out of defence by providing that community connection for people when they leave at their time in full time service and rejoin a community.
Complete form to access both reports
Swimming has become a favourite sport for Team Australia at international events like the Invictus Games, and for good reason.
The sport is highly adaptable, supports a wide range of physical abilities, and allows competitors to train and compete at their own pace. For many in the defence community, swimming provides a low-impact way to rebuild confidence, improve strength and focus on personal progress while still being part of a team environment.
That same approach underpins Team Veteran Masters Swimming Club, created by Invictus Australia as a virtual way to help veterans and their families stay active and connected at home. Members can train locally, take part in competitions, including national events, and remain part of the Team Veteran community.
More information and how to join at the link in bio.
After partnering last year, we’re proud to be walking alongside @themanwalk again across January and February.
The Man Walk is all about showing up, moving, talking and staying connected while creating safe, welcoming spaces for men to connect through simple, no-pressure walks.
Invictus Australia representatives will be at the following walks, and we’d love you to join us. These walks are open to male veterans and male family members aged 18+, with exclusive Invictus Australia challenge coins available for veterans who attend.
Upcoming walks we’ll be at:
🌕 Wollongong, NSW – 5.45am, Friday 16 January
⚫ Maroubra, NSW – 7.00am, Friday 16 January
🌕 Tuggeranong, ACT – 6.30am, Wednesday 21 January
⚫ Maitland, NSW – 6.00am, Tuesday 20 January
🌕Brisbane, QLD – 6.30am, Friday 23 January
⚫Port Noarlunga, SA – 8.00am, Saturday 7 February
🌕Huskisson, NSW – 7.00am, Thursday 26 February
ALUMNI IN ACTION | For Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 competitor Karl Woodward, community sport has reshaped life after service, helping him rebuild confidence, connection and purpose.
Karl’s path to Invictus began during a difficult period marked by injury, mental health struggles and life changes. But competing in Germany changed his trajectory. As he puts it: “The Invictus Games experience ignited a passion and inspired me to reconnect with the sports I once loved and competed in as a youngster on the Central Coast.”
Since then, he’s thrown himself into community surf lifesaving, indoor rowing and masters swimming. With support from his clubs across the NSW Mid North Coast and Central Coast regions, Karl has steadily built momentum, culminating in fulfilling a lifelong dream in 2025, winning an Australian Lifesaving Gold Medal at the Australian SLS Pool Rescue Championships.
Today, he’s an active member of the Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club, volunteering as a lifesaver and competing alongside a community that has embraced him and supported his transition beyond uniform.
Karl says he remains grateful for the people who walked with him through his recovery, adding: “I would encourage any veteran to have a crack and get involved with the Invictus Australian community.”
Join your local Invictus Australia Facebook group to get involved in community sport beyond the Games.