Minister Keogh names Team Australia for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025
18/10/2024 – Earlier this morning, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, The Hon Matt Keogh MP, announced the team of 33 former and current serving veterans who will be heading to Canada in February for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.
GET TO KNOW YOUR TEAM
Minister Keogh praised the resilience and strength of those selected and congratulated them on their opportunity to represent the nation, including all those who have served.
The Invictus Games is a unique platform for participants to harness the power of sport in their recovery journey.“
The team, supported by Invictus Australia (IA) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), will compete in a number of adaptive sports during the seventh iteration of the Invictus Games. The Team, selected from the Adaptive Sport Program, has been chosen with the main objective being how their involvement will utilise the power of sport to support their recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration during or post their service.
“Invictus Australia not only supports veterans through international events, but their community sport program plays a huge role in supporting veterans transition to civilian life.”
According to competitor Sean Grimmond, who could not walk more than a hundred meters at a time due to a nerve injury just a short time ago, being selected for Team Australia has caused him to reflect on how far he has come.
I was incredibly grateful to be given an opportunity to be a part of the team after meeting a remarkable and inspirational group of people at the selection trials. Then I felt a sense of pride and confidence that I had not felt in many years on reflecting on how far my rehabilitation has come.”
For former Communications Information Systems Sailor Jo Lovell, ‘winning’ at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 is more than just how many medals the team receives.
Winning means fostering camaraderie, celebrating shared experiences and embracing the spirit of unity and resilience among fellow veterans.”
Sean and Jo are just two of the incredible veterans heading to Canada. To get to know the rest of the team, view their bios here [link to bios]. Plus, keep up to date with all things Team Australia across our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Tik Tok, and our monthly newsletter.
Minister Keogh continued
“These 33 members of Team Australia are a mix of both current and former serving military personnel who have been wounded, injured, or become ill during their service.
The Invictus Games is a unique platform for participants to harness the power of sport in their recovery journey.
These seventh Invictus Games will for the first time feature both summer and winter adaptive sports including alpine skiing, snowboarding, indoor rowing, biathlon, nordic skiing, sitting volleyball, skeleton, swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair curling and wheelchair rugby.
Engagement in sport has long been recognised as a key factor in rehabilitation and recovery for veterans.
Invictus Australia not only supports veterans through international events, but their community sport program plays a huge role in supporting veterans transition to civilian life.
The Australian Government wishes Team Australia the very best of luck, we know you’ll make our nation and yourselves proud.“
Australian competitors will join over 500 current and former serving military personnel from over 20 nations to take part in the seventh iteration of these Games.
Media Note: Media can access imagery at https://images.defence.gov.au/assets/invictus
Want a Behind the Scenes look at Team Australia?
We have just launched our Instagram Broadcast Channel, ‘Aussie Guide to the Invictus Games,’ an exclusive glimpse into Team Australia’s journey to Canada. Join for a behind the scenes look at the Vancouver-Whistler Games, to get to know Team Australia and learn all things Canadian ahead of the February kick off. Click here, or head to Invictus Australia’s Instagram, to join this group!
Read more:
- Invictus Games 2025 Selection Camp
- Team Australia gears up for Invictus Games 2025 with one year to go countdown
Our Veteran Engagement team runs events across the country each day. To keep up to date with what is happening in your area, join your local Facebook group.
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About Invictus Australia: Invictus Australia encourages veterans and their families to connect and engage with their communities through sport. Whether participating or volunteering at grassroots level, to competing internationally at an Invictus or Warrior Games, Invictus Australia leverages the power of sport to proactively foster good health and aid in recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration. Invictus Australia promotes the physical, social and emotional benefits of sport for all, and shine a light on the unique needs of younger veterans, particularly the challenges associated with transitioning from military to civilian life.
