Current and former Australian Defence
Force (ADF) personnel will compete for a place in the
2017 Australian Invictus Games team at selection trials
this week in Canberra.
Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan said
about 80 athletes were expected to compete in the trials
for a place in Australia’s 40-person team for the third
Invictus Games to be held in Toronto, Canada from 23-30
September.
Prince Harry established the Invictus Games as an
international, adaptive multi-sports competition for
current and former military personnel who have been
wounded, injured or become ill in service.
More than 550 athletes from up to 17 nations are
expected to compete in Toronto in individual and team
sports including swimming, archery, cycling, track and
field, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball,
wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis, powerlifting, golf
and indoor rowing.
Mr Tehan said the Invictus Games showcased top-class
athletes and the triumph of the human spirit.
“Just as we respect the service and sacrifice of the
men and women of our defence forces, we respect the
competitors this week as athletes who have trained hard
and sacrificed much to reach this level of excellence,
and I wish them all the best in the trials,” Mr Tehan
said.
“The physical and mental benefits of training for,
and competing in, events like the Invictus Games are
invaluable to our current and former ADF personnel,
their family and friends.
“Australia’s involvement in the Invictus Games is
part of a broader Adaptive Sports Program sponsored by
the ADF and RSL in which current and former serving
wounded, injured and ill members participate in a
variety of competitions.
“Promoting positive mental health and providing the
necessary care, rehabilitation and support to ADF
personnel who are wounded, injured or ill is one of
Defence’s highest priorities.”
The ADF is partnering with the Returned and Services
League to send the team to Toronto. The 2018 Invictus
Games will be held in Sydney.
More information on the Invictus Games and images are
available at:
www.defence.gov.au/events/invictusgames