September 24, 2026
Australia unveils veteran team for Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026, presented by ATCO
Learn more about the competitors representing Team Aus here.
As Perth prepares to host the inaugural Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026, presented by ATCO, Australia has selected its team of 30 veteran competitors who will take part in the two‑day multisport event.
Invictus Australia announced the team on Friday alongside The Hon. Matt Keogh MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, and several Western Australian team members at Scarborough – the iconic beach that will host swimming and indoor rowing during the festival.
Held in Australia for the first time, the Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026 will take place across Perth from 23–25 October, using adaptive sport to support recovery and connection.
The Festival forms part of Invictus Australia’s broader work to create more opportunities for recovery through sport, connecting international adaptive sporting experiences with year-round pathways for veterans and families across Australia.
A proud Western Australian, Minister Keogh congratulated the competitors on their selection.
“It’s so exciting to see Invictus Australia expand competitive opportunities for veterans as they continue to unite the community through their grassroots programs. Competitions like this enable veterans to challenge themselves in completely new ways.
“This project will create stronger regional ties, giving veterans from Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea the opportunity to connect and have a lot of fun… and where better to do it than on the west coast – the best coast!”, the Minister said.
Across the weekend, competitors will take part in both individual and team sports, with events moving from Scarborough Beach to Perth’s High Performance Centre on Sunday for pickleball and sitting volleyball.
Among the team are eight Western Australians, who will have the rare opportunity to compete in front of family and friends at home.
Supported by her two children at Friday’s announcement, Australian Army veteran and grandmother Kirsten Funston spoke about the impact sport continues to have on her recovery from both physical and invisible injuries.
Sport has had, and is having, such a profound impact on my physical, mental and social wellbeing. It has allowed me to interact with others, lose weight, get fitter, and forget everything in my head and just be in the moment when I am playing sports”.
“Even if I am having a bad moment, as soon as I am on the court or field playing, I no longer have to hide and I am able to refocus on the game at hand,” she said.
Sport has always been central to the life of Australian Army veteran Pete Miller, who moved to Perth in 2024. A father and school teacher, Peter gravitated toward team sports when growing up, for the sense of belonging and camaraderie they offered. Today, he plays sledge hockey for enjoyment, but also to support his recovery from a spinal injury.
“Since my injuries, sport has taken on an even greater meaning, and it has become an important part of my rehabilitation,” Pete said.
“Being around people who are motivated, resilient and determined to challenge themselves encourages me to do the same. When you surround yourself with people who believe in their own ability to improve and overcome challenges, that attitude becomes contagious. It makes you want to push yourself, set new goals and become a better version of yourself.
Congratulating the team on their selection, Invictus Australia Director of Teams, Pathways and Alumni, Adam Pine OAM OLY, said the Sports Festival was part of a broader effort to create more sporting opportunities for veterans at every stage of service.
“This Festival is one part of a much broader approach to veteran wellbeing through sport. Our role is to create pathways to give veterans opportunities to participate when and where they need them – whether on the international stage, like this event, or in their local communities” Adam said.
“We congratulate every member of the Australian team on their selection. For veterans who rely so heavily on their loved ones throughout their recovery journeys, competing at a home festival with their families watching on is a rare and deeply meaningful experience, marking a special moment in their lives,. he said.
Team Australia at the Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026 is proudly Presented by Austability, who are helping to create meaningful sporting opportunities for Australian veterans and their families as part of their ongoing recovery and connection through sport.
The festival will feature a range of adaptive sports including indoor rowing, pickleball, swimming and sitting volleyball, highlighting the spirit of competitors as they represent their nations and support one another on and off the field of play.
Learn more about Team Australia here.
ENDS
About the Invictus Australia Sports Festival, presented by ATCO
The Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026, presented by ATCO will take place in Perth from 23-25 October, bringing together competitors, families, friends and volunteers for two days of adaptive sport, connection and recovery. At its core are 60 wounded, injured and ill service personnel and veterans from Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea, competing across Indoor Rowing, Pickleball, Sitting Volleyball and Swimming.
The Festival, supported by the Invictus Games Foundation, reflects the Invictus Movement’s commitment to extending the impact of sport beyond the Invictus Games by creating additional recovery pathways for defence communities worldwide. In the Indo‑Pacific region, it builds on Invictus Australia’s grassroots and adaptive sport programs, expanding opportunities for veterans and families while strengthening international partnerships.
About Team Australia – Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026
Fast facts:
- Event Name: Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026, presented by ATCO
- Date: 23-25 October 2026
- Location: Perth, Australia
- Sports contested: Indoor Rowing, Swimming, Sitting Volleyball, Pickleball
- Number of competitors: 30
- Oldest Team Australia competitor: 61 – Cindy Chawner
- Youngest Team Australia competitor: 30 – Callan McLean
- Competitors come from all branches of the ADF
- Eight (8) competitors hail from host state, Western Australia
Media Contact
Nina Willoughby| GoodPR | 0427 400 961 | nina@goodpr.com.au
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