Sport for Recovery Program
Whether participating internationally or locally, against the world or your mates, the positive health and wellbeing outcomes of sport can transform lives.
Overview
Since 2014, current and former serving veterans have self- nominated through an expression of interest (EOI) process to join the Australian Defence Force Adaptive Sport Program (ADF ASP); the program responsible for sending Australian teams to the Invictus Games and Warrior Games.
The majority of applicants are never selected onto these international Teams due to quota limits imposed by the respective events organisers and capacity limitations of the Australian Defence Force ASP. As an example, the 2019 EOI process received 189 applications (154 former serving) but the total quota slots of the 2020 Invictus Games teams were limited to just 32.
Invictus Australia has developed the nation Sport for Recovery Program to address this gap by better utilising opportunities domestically to achieve similar health and wellbeing outcomes for any veteran who has submitted an official EOI to join the ADF ASP.
It is also an avenue that supports the continuation of an individuals recovery journey beyond their time in the ADF ASP.
What to expect
The program focuses on creating a strong sense of community for veterans, utilising the power of sport as a proactive means of improving the mental health and wellbeing. Participants can expect personal contact with our Operations & Programs Services Manager, as we deliver exclusive opportunities which may include pathway events, closed webinars, funded courses, volunteering, officiating and competitive opportunities and tailored health and wellbeing information. Opportunities can be in person or virtual, and where appropriate we will make them available for families too.
We encourage all participants to embrace their unconquered spirit and use the power of sport to create profound healing beyond the spotlight of the Games, within their communities and during their everyday lives.
“Invictus Australia put on an outstanding day for my family. We saw some old friends and colleagues and also got to meet some great new people. My son now wants to take the sport up as a hobby and our family’s going to come back to do archery again together.”
