How Victoria’s Rowing Community is Supporting the Invictus Games
Meet Francine Dudfield. Francine is a competitor preparing for the Invictus Games to be held in Dusseldorf, Germany, from September 9–16, 2023. Heading into their sixth running, the Invictus Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding and respect for wounded, injured, and ill Servicemen and women. Thanks to the generosity of Victoria’s rowing community, Francine is able to get ready for the Games and proudly represent Australia.
Since 2014, indoor rowing has been firmly established as a sport offered by the competition program of the Invictus Games. Based on the rules and regulations applicable to indoor rowing at the Olympics, individuals compete on rowing ergometers. The machines can be adjusted to the specific requirements of the competitors, enabling people with different types of impairments to participate in the competition. Training is critical in preparation for the event and the Games overall, and thanks to the kindness and willingness of the Toorak College rowing program and Banks Rowing Club, Francine has been able to access an erg at home to enable her to regularly train.
Michael Hartung, CEO of Invictus Australia was grateful for the support of the community.
“We are grateful for the support of Toorak College and Banks Rowing Club to help Francine with her preparations for the upcoming Games and the relationship that will endure after the Games,” said Hartung.
“Rowing, and particularly indoor rowing, is a popular sport at the Invictus Games and among the broader veteran community here in Australia. That’s why our partnership with Rowing Australia is so important to us; we share in a vision of helping connect more veterans and their families with this fantastic sport and communities”.
To follow along with Francine and the rest of Team Australia’s journey check out Invictus Australia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and through their website www.invictusaustralia.org.
Team Australia is delivered in partnership between Invictus Australia and the Australian Defence Force, and combines both current and former serving members. We can’t wait to get behind all of the competitors, coaches and volunteers who will represent Australia at the next Invictus Games in Düsseldorf!
About Invictus Australia:
Invictus Australia is the NFP responsible for organising the Invictus Games Sydney 2018. We carry on the legacy of the Games every day in local communities, as all veterans and their families can benefit from involvement with sporting communities, particularly ‘at risk’ veterans. As well as promoting the physical, social and emotional benefits of sport, Invictus Australia shines a light on the unique needs of younger veterans and the challenges they face as they transition from military to civilian life. Find out more at www.invictusaustralia.org
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