First tickets go on sale for Invictus Games
THE first tickets to the Invictus Games have been released with just 145 days to go to the event, which will be attended by Prince Harry and his new wife Meghan Markle.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE first tickets to the Sydney Invictus Games have been released with just 145 days to go to the Paralympic-style sporting event, which will be attended by Prince Harry and his new wife Meghan Markle.
Sporting greats including Olympic swimming legend Ian Thorpe OAM today called for Australians to support “wounded warriors” by attending the games, which will bring together 500 competitors from 18 countries.
Thorpe said Invictus, now in its fourth year, would give many Australian families the chance to see “sport at its purest”.
MORE NEWS
DRUNK MUM CRASHED CAR, PUNCHED COP
NRL STAR’S SISTER BAILED OVER BOYFRIEND’S DEATH
BAIRD FRONTS INQUIRY OVER POWERHOUSE MOVE
“For some of the athletes that are competing there, it is about winning the gold medal. For others, the gold medal is completing the race and for some just being there is a big deal for them,” the Invictus ambassador said.
“I want to encourage every Australian to be able to get out there and support our wounded warriors as they heal and show the world what Sydney can put on for 2018.”
Minister for Veterans Affairs David Elliott said there was “no excuse” for people not to attend with tickets starting from $20 and family deals for $55.
INSIDE THE ROYAL AUSSIE HOLIDAY HOME
“I believe this will probably be one of the greatest Invictus Games that we’ve seen. It’s the fourth one and we have learnt so much from the previous three,” he said.
The games are especially significant for Corporal Sonya Newman, an Australian Army soldier of the 1st Combat Services Support Battalion, who is training for the swimming team after having her right leg amputated.
“My kids have seen me in a wheelchair in a hospital bed for three years in pain,” she said.
“I haven’t been able to give them proper cuddles... so now they can see me getting out and having a go, it’s the best thing I can give them.”
Certain to bring starpower to the event is the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who will travel to Sydney for the Games.
The pair will each receive a specially-crafted Akubra hat as part of their wedding gift from Australia.
For the first time, sailing will be featured in the games as one of the 11 sports with races free to watch on Sydney Harbour.
The Sydney Invictus Games will kick off on October 20 and runs for one week.
Tickets can be purchased from the official Invictus Games website.