From Crisis to Triumph: How Family and the Invictus Games Shape Recovery for Veterans
On a life-altering day in 2023, Erin Hale and her son Max found themselves on route to a hospital in Sydney where husband and father, Navy veteran Alex Hale had just arrived. Alex was out riding his bike, when a driver fell asleep at the wheel and hit him, an accident that left him paralysed from the waist down.
It was on this 1.5 hour drive from Lake Macquarie, that the reality of paralysis for Alex began to sink in. The friend who was driving the pair offered bold and unexpected reassurance, saying: “Don’t worry, we’ll just get him to an Invictus Games. We’ll turn him into an athlete, he just doesn’t know it yet.”
Less than two years later, Alex is over in Canada competing in biathlon, indoor rowing and wheelchair basketball for Australia at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. This journey, however, would not have been possible without his support network, led by wife Erin, who is now Alex’s full time carer.
How Alex used sport during a tough time
After Alex’s accident, he was left wondering how he would keep his mind healthy. Erin recounted, “Alex had always exercised for mental health, so when he was injured he stopped and said ‘I cycled and I ran to keep my brain healthy, how do I do that now?”
This is when the Adaptive Sport Program (ASP) piqued Alex and Erin’s interest. Alex set his mind on recovery. Firstly, he was selected for the 2024 Department of Defence Warrior Games, his introduction to the world of adaptive sports.
“For Alex, the connections made through the Adaptive Sport Program have been immense. He is now regularly playing wheelchair basketball, he is doing archery, he has joined a gym for the first time in his life.” Erin continued.
I feel like sport is more accessible than it has ever been for Alex, which is a strange thought.”
The Essential Role of Family and Friends
For Erin, the support of family and friends in Alex’s recovery has been nothing short of vital. Reflecting on Alex’s recovery, she emphasises, “Individuals that are well connected, recover better. In Alex’s case, that was his family, but sometimes it’s close friends and sometimes it’s new friends forged along the way.”
She credits Alex’s family, who returned from Europe to help care for their son Max, and her own parents, who moved in to assist them during this tumultuous time. Through the support of his family, he was able to get to a place where being involved in sport again was possible. The connection and camaraderie felt by Alex, paints a clear picture of the power of sport and the impact the ASP program has had on him.
“This program works because it gives this additional connection. It brings people back together that have been disconnected.” For those navigating the aftermath of life-changing injuries, these bonds can be truly transformative.
Unexpected Benefits for the Support Network
While Erin initially focused on the benefits Alex would gain from participating in adaptive sport, she was surprised by how transformative the experience was for their entire family.
“There are one or two people in particular that I connected with who have dealt with similar, very life changing occurrences with their partner. To be able to talk to them about their experience, you do feel a lot less alone. You know it’s not just me, it’s not just us, there’s lots of people dealing with things and everyone’s just getting on with it.”
When Alex went to the Warrior Games, his whole family was by his side, cheering him on.
We all focused on how important the experience was for Alex. What we underestimated was how important it was for us as a family as a part of our healing journey.”
For Alex’s parents and siblings, witnessing him thrive among individuals with similar experiences was reassuring. “Seeing Alex and other likeminded individuals doing really fabulous things was so important for them. Seeing him have a go and that he will be ok, he will get through this – was so rewarding.” Erin said.
The experience also allowed Erin to step back and recognise Alex’s capabilities. “It was maybe time for some of us to let go a little bit and let him do his own thing because he is extremely capable.”
Redefining Goals for 2025
After a rewarding Warrior Games campaign, the family’s goals for the Invictus Games 2025 have now evolved. Beyond the athletic competition, they aim to foster greater independence for Alex. “Our big goal with Warrior was to say, actually, as a family, we can still travel, we can still do what we want to do,” Erin explained. “These Games, I’m like, what is the value in doing it again? For us, it’s achieving a greater levels of independence for Alex.”
Already looking at post Games, Erin understands the value the Invictus journey can add to the lives of the whole family.
“To give him his independence is really important for our family because when he’s independent, I can be.” Erin continued;
Beyond the competitive sporting environment, this experience is about setting us up for how we want to live.”
The Healing Power of Sport and Community
From the basketball court, where Erin loves seeing Alex embrace the camaraderie of a team environment, to the demanding biathlon, where she admires his determination, the Invictus Games embody much more than competition. They represent resilience, healing, and a reminder that, for the Hale Family, “Life is for living.”
Alex has already competed in both the wheelchair basketball and biathlon events an now turns his focus to his indoor rowing races on the 16th of February. Undoubtedly, Erin and Alex’s whole family will be on the sidelines cheering him on!
The Invictus Games is an international, adaptive multi-sports competition for serving and former military personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill during their military service. Team Australia is delivered in partnership between Invictus Australia and the Australian Defence Force, and consists of 33 competitors.
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Keep up to date with all the action
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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.
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