Australia announces veteran team for Invictus Germany Sports Festival 2026 

A team of 20 wounded, injured and ill veterans has been selected to represent Australia at the Invictus Germany Sports Festival 2026, taking place from 12–14 June in Düsseldorf. 

Invictus Australia announced the team at the commencement of a team training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra on Thursday, where competitors came together for the first time since their selection and ahead of their departure in June. The camp marked an important milestone in their preparation, fostering connection, community and a shared sense of purpose. 

Get to know our team.

There are four sports on offer to competitors attending the Invictus Germany Sports Festival 2026: indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, cycling (spinning) and table tennis. These adaptive and inclusive events provide a platform for veterans to challenge themselves, reconnect with sport and experience the physical, mental and social benefits that come with participation. 

For many competitors, selection represents far more than a sporting opportunity – it marks a powerful step toward reconnection, confidence and community. 

Among those selected is Royal Australian Air Force veteran Pete O’Connell, who represented the ADF in AFL and touch football during his 31 years of service as an operational air traffic control officer. 

O’Connell said the opportunity to become an Invictus competitor had arrived at a pivotal moment in his life. 

“The complexities of life over the past decade have resulted in me becoming quite isolated from the ‘world’,” O’Connell said. 

“(When I found out I was part of the team), I felt valued, like there are people outside my immediate family who want to be a part of my tribe, and me theirs. 

“The opportunity to be an Invictus athlete excites me to no end, as it has become the catalyst for me to reintegrate back into the community. 

“I also felt honoured to be given the opportunity to represent a community with such an honourable mission and to work my way back to a full and rich life with people that have a shared vision and purpose,” O’Connell said.  

Navy veteran Amy Beal is a competitor whose Invictus journey has come full circle – from coaching Australia’s swimming team at Invictus Games Toronto 2017, to stepping onto the competition floor herself in 2026.  

Beal said she felt immense pride upon her selection to Team Australia. 

“Seeing what the Invictus movement gave and brought out in competitors, and family and friends left a permanent mark on me, and a phenomenal memory and experience that I still hold very close,” Beal said. 

“Since my medical discharge, my life has changed dramatically. Invictus Australia community events have helped get me re-engaged in community and see what sports and activities are still possible for me to participate in. 

“I have a variety of service-related injuries ranging from a spinal injury, musculoskeletal injuries, PTSD and a rare type of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Fortunately for me, my MND diagnosis is not life ending, but it is (and has been) life changing. 

“Sport is a massive part of my rehabilitation. I love a challenge and trying a sport or developing a new skill is integral to trying to slow the progression of my disease,” she said.  

Invictus Australia Director of Teams, Pathways and Alumni, Adam Pine OAM OLY, welcomed the competitors to the Team Australia community, acknowledging the diverse experiences and personal journeys that have brought each veteran to this moment. 

“Invictus means something different to each competitor – for some it’s about rediscovering confidence, for others it’s about connection, challenge or healing,” Pine said.  

“Regardless, everyone is here for the same reason: to take a positive step in their recovery and to be part of something bigger than themselves. 

“Every competitor should feel immense pride. They’ve committed to their recovery, embraced the challenge and shown what’s possible. We can’t wait to see them take the next step in their journey,” he said. 

The 2026 Australian team will be in Canberra until Monday as they continue preparations as a team, before continuing hometown preparations as they get ready to represent the nation on the world stage in Germany this June.  

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.