Emotional welcome as Team Aus lands in Canada ahead of the Invictus Games

Team Australia has touched down, experiencing a heartfelt welcome in Vancouver, Canada, as they get ready for the start of their Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 campaign. The emotional arrival left many competitors and their families in tears, marking the beginning of what promises to be a transformative experience. 

Hordes of enthusiastic volunteers greeted Team Australia, cheering and waving as the team arrived after their long journey from Sydney.  

All Aboard the KC-30

After a final team camp in Sydney, Team Australia were joined by family and friends ahead of boarding the Australian Airforce KC-30 plane. There were emotional reunions, excited faces and new connections formed as the family and friends of the 33-strong Team Australia were together for the first time/

Final Training sessions reveals tEAM AUSTRALIA’S SPIRIT

In the lead-up to the Games, Team Australia made the most of their final training sessions in Canada, fine-tuning their skills and building team cohesion. 

The swimming session saw competitors head to the Vancouver Aquatic Centre to refine their strokes and practice before their events, with swim coach Adam Pine OAM OLY providing final tips and encouragement to the team. Meanwhile, the Wheelchair Curling team came together for their final training,  working together to perfect their shots and sweeping techniques. 

Competition begins on Saturday 8 February, with Team Australia participating in individual and team sports, including alpine skiing and snowboarding, indoor rowing, nordic skiing and biathlon, sitting volleyball, skeleton, swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair curling and wheelchair rugby.     

watch the opening ceremony live on 9gem

Thanks to Australia’s host broadcaster 9Network, Australian audiences can watch the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 Opening Ceremony live on 9Gem from 8am, 9th February 2025. With acts like Chris Martin, Katy Perry, Nelly and Noah Kahan set to take the stage at Vancouver’s BC Place, you will not want to miss this.

9NOW Invictus Games Hub

To download the full Australian viewing guide of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, click here.

Keep up to date with all the action

Read live updates from Canada, get to know Team Australia and learn how to connect through sport in your local community via our Team Australia Invictus Games 2025 hub. Head to the hub below.

Join the Exclusive Team Australia fan club! 

Want behind the scenes access to Team Australia, plus exclusive updates of all things Invictus Games? Join our Broadcast Channel via the Instagram app to cheer on Team Australia from back home, while never missing a minute.  

If you don’t want to miss a moment of the Games, join us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, where our on the ground team will be keeping you up to date on Team Australia. 

About the Invictus Games

The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 Invictus Games takes place from the 8th – 16th February in Canada. Invictus Australia, in partnership with the Australian Defence Force, are supporting 33 former and current serving competitors as part of Team Australia.

The Invictus Games is an international adaptive sporting event for serving and former serving military personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill during their military service. Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, is the Patron of the Invictus Games. The Games uses the healing power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and celebrate the crucial role played by family and friends.

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.