Invictus Games: Australia fields largest ever team of wounded veterans
Former sniper Gary Robinson, 45, is among Australia’s record 72-member Invictus Games team: “I’ve competed in the last three Invictus Games and having a home game is an absolute pinnacle for me.”
NSW
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AUSTRALIA’S largest ever team of wounded veterans will compete in the Invictus Games to be staged in Sydney later this year.
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and wife Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex have confirmed they will attend the fourth Invictus Games, which will feature 500 athletes from 18 nations.
Australia will have 72 warrior athletes competing and Defence Minister Marise Payne said their efforts in overcoming serious injuries and illness reflected their “inherent fighting spirit”.
“The Games are an opportunity to honour the service and sacrifice of the men and women who defend our freedoms and values,” she said at the unveiling of the team.
“When his Royal Highness was here as part of the preparation for 2018, he reminded us that Invictus means unconquered.
“If we needed any other reminder, there are 72 sitting in front of me.”
Sailing will be included for the first time on Sydney Harbour, and other sports held at Sydney Olympic Park will include wheelchair basketball and rugby, archery, athletics, sitting volleyball and cycling.
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Veteran Craig McGrath, 45, who served in the Army for 23 years, including 21 years in the Special Operations Command, was badly injured in an IED explosion in Afghanistan.
“Not being able to play sports contributed to a poor state of mind and rocky recovery,” he said.
But a friend introduced him to sailing, which he says helped his mental recovery, and he’s now set to represent the nation in the sport.
“Without it, I think my recovery to date would not have been as successful as it has been. Invictus games are more than a sporting event, they capture hearts, they challenge perceptions and change lives.”
Leading Seaman Vanessa Broughill, 33, from Wagga, has worked as an electronic warfare operator and as a cryptologic systems operator in the Navy, but had major shoulder problems and mental health issues.
“I truly believe that being selected to represent Australia for the Invictus Games is my greatest achievement, so far,” she said.
“You look around and see some of the guys in wheelchairs, and with prosthetic limbs. But there’s also many others that are suffering, and you can’t see anything visible. This is a great event to be a part of.”
Gary Robinson, 45, was a special forces sniper team commander but suffered multiple injuries in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan which required the amputation of his left leg.
“I’ve competed in the last three Invictus Games and having a home game is an absolute pinnacle for me,” he said.
“My family can watch, it will be great.”
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