Team Veteran shows True Grit
Invictus Australia supported 14 wounded, injured and ill veterans in 10km military-style obstacle Challenge
Team Veteran, powered by Invictus Australia, showed mateship, resilience and an unconquered spirit at the recent True Grit military-style obstacle course in South Australia.
Team Veteran’s pre-event planning, uniform and training was overseen by Invictus Australia’s new South Australian Veteran Engagement Manager, Vanessa Broughill – an Army and Navy veteran who has competed in two Invictus Games. Vanessa also participated as part of Team Veteran with her follow veterans.
FIRST EVER INVICTUS ENDEAVOUR FUNDED EVENT FOR AUSSIES!
The group’s participation was made possible by The Invictus Games Foundation’s Endeavour Fund Program. The Endeavour Fund provided a grant which helped fund the 14 veterans travel to the event, as well as their entry fee, uniform and other costs associated with True Grit.
The Invictus Games Foundation Endeavour Fund was established by The Duke of Sussex in 2012 when he was patron of The Royal Foundation and was later transferred to the work of the Invictus Games Foundation. The fund has granted over £3,000,000 to more than 100 Endeavour activities around the world and has supported over 6,000 wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans to re-engage with sport or adventurous challenges. This is the first time an Endeavour Fund grant has been awarded in Australia.
Through this True Grit experience, Invictus Australia aims to strengthen veteran wellbeing through the power of sport and physical activity, along with promoting the importance of socialisation and the camaraderie of team activities.
Completing True Grit with other veterans was invaluable experience. While we had some obvious injuries amongst the group, throughout the team there were many other injuries and illnesses that weren’t visible. Despite the individual challenges, we united as Team Veteran and helped each other through, breaking down all barriers that came our way, both physical and psychological. Proving to ourselves that we are capable of anything and showing the community of onlookers what it means to be unconquered!
NO ONE LEFT BEHIND
Team Veteran Team Leader, Vanessa Broughill said these collaborative efforts will enable Invictus Australia to reach more veterans within the community, whilst strengthening its support of current and former-serving personnel and their families.
“We were thrilled to receive the funding from the Invictus Games Foundation to bring this opportunity to the local veteran community. The True Grit obstacle course was an exciting activity that had a positive impact on all involved. It was physically challenging, but emotionally & mentally rewarding as we bonded, had each other’s backs and made sure we all made it to the end.” said Vanessa Broughill, Invictus Australia Regional Manager, Veteran Engagement.
“Further, we are so excited by the new partnership with True Grit, following the success of this inaugural event, to provide ongoing opportunities for veterans to participate in True Grit, all around Australia”, continued Broughill.
TRUE GRIT NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP WITH INVICTUS AUSTRALIA
Thanks to the resounding success of the inaugural South Australian Team Veteran inclusion, and huge demand from veterans around Australia, True Grit & Invictus Australia have partnered to offer more opportunities just like this one.
Invictus Australia, under the Team Veteran banner, will enter teams in events around Australia. Thanks to this partnership, there will be 10 FREE spots for veterans. A 10% discount is then applied to any additional veterans joining the team.
To find our more, get in touch at support@invictusaustralia.org.
Invictus Australia’s frontline staff, members of the Veteran community, deliver sport and recreational programs all around Australia throughout the year. Please get in touch if you would like to find an activity for you or your family.
TRUE GRIT – FOR MILITARY, BY MILITARY
True Grit is the only Australian owned and operated military-inspired obstacle course, created by Australian special forces. It is the perfect mix of physical and mental challenge delivered through fun, fitness and friends to give racers of all ages and fitness levels a sense of achievement and accomplishment.
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