Australia is intensifying training efforts for the upcoming Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, with a focus on building skills and experience in a variety of adaptive sports. The ADF Adaptive Sport Program (ASP) is providing training camps and competitive sporting opportunities to the current Team Australia train-on contingent. 

Unlike most international sporting events, the Invictus Games focuses on utilising the power of sport to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, injured or ill veterans. This means many applicants from the Adaptive Sport Program will be complete novices when it comes to certain sports, instead, their drive to apply for Team Australia comes from the benefits sport brings to their recovery journey. 

For the first time, the Invictus Games will feature new winter sports (alpine skiing, alpine snowboarding, nordic skiing and biathlon, skeleton and wheelchair curling), in addition to five core sports (indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball.) By providing training camps and competitive opportunities to these individuals, the ASP is helping to ensure that competitors are familiar with this complete list of adaptive sports.

Team Australia will enter all team sports and these training camps introduce the skills and techniques to allow competitors to compete at their best possible level, and get closer as a team. 

ALPINE ADVENTURE BEFORE THE INVICTUS GAMES

After an inspiring and action-packed first camp at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), a selection of ASP applicants headed to Perisher for an alpine familiarisation activity. This event aimed to introduce novice participants to alpine skiing and snowboarding, as these sports are set to make their debut at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. 

Many of the participants hadn’t seen snow before this camp, but they all supported each other to hit the slopes strong, connect with instructors and each other, and to develop and refine their skills.  

This morning was my first time on the snow. The instructors have been great and have given me things to improve on and the tools to do so.”

JAMIE SMYTH

ADAPTIVE SPORT PROGRAM APPLICANT

SITTING VOLLEYBALL SHOWDOWN

While some applicants have been focusing on their individual sporting skills on the snow, others have been focusing on building their skills as a team. From September 14 – 15, the ASP entered two teams into the Australian Sitting Volleyball Championships, organised by Volleyball Australia. The event, held in Bendigo, Victoria, provided a valuable opportunity for athletes to test their skills and work on teamwork and game play against top-level competition. 

Despite only meeting at the first Adaptive Sport Program camp in May this year, the group came together and quickly gelled as a team. The participants were able to learn how to work as a team, as Director of Teams, Adam Pine suggests, 

“Training events are not just about getting familiar with the sports; they also serve as a team bonding experience for participants. It was great to witness the welcoming and inclusive culture that the team was able to develop throughout the championships, shining through in their inspiring performances.”  

The championships also turned into a mentoring session with the group able to connect with Invictus Games alumni Carrie-Anne Bishop, Rye Shawcroft and Adam Slot, who were continuing their sporting journey beyond the games, competing with their state based sitting volleyball teams. They were happy to connect with the team to give insight into adaptive sports and share their experiences at the Invictus Games.  

NEXT STEPS FOR TEAM AUSTRALIA

Invictus Australia and the Australian Defence Force are partnering to deliver Team Australia to the Invictus Games. With team selection in the early stages, providing activities like these to applicants of the ASP has many individual and team benefits.  

In addition to further team camps, there will be a wheelchair curling camp for the selected competitors in December, as well as a sitting volleyball camp in November. Plus, the selected wheelchair basketball team will have some much-needed gametime at the AIS when they take on local team, Canberra Chargers later this year.  

According to Adam, “These training camps and competitive events are essential for preparing our competitors for the Invictus Games. They provide valuable experience, boost confidence, and help our team members build strong bonds. Practicing and rehearsing the sports that Team Australia will be competing in will reduce anxiety and improve the experience of the team at the games.” 

As the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 approaches, Team Australia is determined to make a strong showing. With the support of the ASP and the dedication of its competitors, the team is well-positioned for a campaign filled with camaraderie, resilience and mateship. 

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 such as these across the country each day. To keep up to date with what is happening in your area, join your local Facebook group. 

• ACT Local Facebook group
• SA Local Facebook group
• Sth East QLD Facebook group
• Nth QLD Facebook group
• Nth NSW Local Facebook group
• NSW Sth Coast Local Facebook group
• Victoria Facebook group
• WA Facebook group
• TAS Facebook group

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.