Meet Team Australia heading to Orlando, Florida for the 2024 DoD Warrior Games
This morning, Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh MP announced the 30 competitors that have been selected to compete for Team Australia in the Warrior Games later this year. Taking place from the 21st – 30th of June 2024, the competitors will travel to Orlando Florida to compete in Archery, Cycling, Field, Indoor Rowing, Powerlifting, Sitting Volleyball, Swimming, Track, Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Rugby.
The team have been selected from the ADF Adaptive Sport Program, which is open to former & current service personnel from all branches of the regular or reserve ADF who have become wounded, injured or ill during their service. The Warrior Games is one of a number of programs that Invictus Australia are involved in, that aim to strengthen veteran wellbeing through recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration following discharge.
Invictus Australia and the Australian Defence Force partner to deliver Team Australia for both the Warrior and Invictus Games. Learn more about the Adaptive Sport Program here.
Get to know your team by clicking on their names below!
meet the team HEADING TO THE WARRIOR GAMES!
“Being able to use sport to build my confidence and help my mental health has been transformational.”
“Teamwork connects and motivates me to focus on what I can do, not what I no longer can do.”
“Winning will be getting myself in the best shape possible – physically and mentally.”
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER ALEX HALE
“Fitness forms a fundamental component of my recovery and helps overcome the physical and mental obstacles of my injury.”
“Sport has shown me that no matter the severity of the injury, there’s always something you can be doing to keep active.”
“[After my stroke], I have used my love of fitness to build up strength and motivate others.”
“My greatest sporting moments are being able to compete in sports I thought were unreachable.”
“Getting selected brings a sense of belonging with the others going through their own health battles.”
“Whether successful or not, each of my sporting endeavours have provided valuable lessons and experience.”
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER DAVE MILN
“Sport keeps me grounded, focused and allows me to be the best version of myself.”
“Nothing will give me my leg back, but I can still achieve anything I put my mind to.”
“Exercise has been a big part of my rehabilitation, while also benefitting my mental health and general wellbeing.”
“Being able to take part in team sports is what has kept me going and allowed me to get stronger in a way that feels comforting.”
“To be able to compete in a safe environment with no judgement from others is a highlight for me.”
“Adaptive sport gives me a great source of mental stimulation and pride, knowing that I can still do something active.”
“Following my injury, I had to put a stop to the sports I loved. This has given me sport back.”
“I am doing this to push myself out of my comfort zone and confront my demons after excluding myself from sport for so long.”
“This is a great opportunity for me to challenge and push myself and to be within a team environment again.”
“Since my accident in 2022, sports and fitness have played a massive role, not only in my physical health but mental growth.”
“I have suddenly envisioned a future where sport played a significant role in my life once again.”
“Sport provides a platform to set goals, challenge myself and find a sense of belonging.”
“This gives you the chance to compete in an environment where you are surrounded by people who support, understand, empower and push you.”
