While our Invictus Games competitors are bravely using the power of sport to move forward on their recovery and rehabilitation journey, a constant in their lives is the love and support provided by their families and friends.
This is clearly evident at this year’s games in Düsseldorf, Germany, where almost 90 family and friends have made the long trek from home to stand behind the 31 current and former-serving ADF members who comprise Team Australia.
Ryan Kelly knows this better than most. He is fortunate to be joined in Düsseldorf by his parents Bruce and Kerrie, partner Brandi Cole, and sons Kai (10) and Koa (5), and admits without hesitation that their presence means the world to him.
“This past year has been a rollercoaster. I spent most of the first three months of the year in hospital so wasn’t even sure I’d make it [to Germany], so having them here means everything to me,” he said.
His partner, Brandi, acknowledged the importance of Invictus to Ryan’s recovery, particularly as he faced the loss of identity and transition back to civilian life after being medically discharged from the Navy.
“Ryan was facing a major life challenge and was struggling with it. This [Invictus Games] came about and provided him with a very positive distraction and a place where he could be honoured for the 22 years he spent in the Navy,” Brandi said.
“It allowed him to focus on something other than the negative things, and that’s hugely important.
“We still have two girls at home, Quinten (10) and Cameron (7), and, while I know he wishes the whole family could have been here, I know it means the world to him that I and the rest of the family are here by his side.”
‘Ryan was facing a major life challenge and was struggling with it. This [Invictus Games] came about and provided him with a very positive distraction and a place where he could be honoured for the 22 years he spent in the Navy’
Mother Kerrie agreed, adding that the family’s unconditional support and love boosted Ryan’s spirits, especially during the down times.
“When he first went into the Navy it was the year of 9/11 and he was on the first ship that went across,” Kerrie said.
“He had only just joined that year; he was so young, just out of school, but that’s the reality check. That’s what they sign up for.
“That’s what Invictus has really promoted. Yes, this is an event for them, but it recognises that families and friends are behind them and each family has a story about how they’ve dealt with the challenges of a loved one’s experience.
“With the issues Ryan has had this year, I didn’t think we’d make it here, but I know it’s very important for him that he has. Mentally, it’s what he and the other competitors need.”
Darren Blackwood, father of competitor Able Seaman Cooper Blackwood, can relate to this sentiment.
“Cooper’s been through a lot with his injury and Invictus has definitely helped him,” said Darren, who is in Düsseldorf with his wife Karen and daughter Maleega.
“We were there for him right through his journey, not knowing whether he was going to ever walk after his accident. There were some scary days, but he’s very lucky that he is able to walk again. A lot of people in the same situation might not have been so lucky.
“We’re here to support Cooper first and foremost, but we’re also here to support Invictus Australia, Team Australia and all the competitors from around the world.
“All the stories are different, but everyone understands what others have been through.”
Darren said it was an emotional experience.
“I’ve been close to crying a few times; I actually thought I was going to cry when I saw Cooper walk out at the opening ceremony, but I didn’t because I was so wrapped up in the excitement of it all,” he said.
‘We’re here to support Cooper first and foremost, but we’re also here to support Invictus Australia, Team Australia and all the competitors from around the world’
“I always knew it was a very good event and well supported but, once you’ve been here and seen it first-hand, you really appreciate what it all means, the friendships you make and the support you give and receive to all the other countries.”
Yet it’s not just family members who give competitors much-needed support. Sometimes it’s the people they surround themselves with that become family.
In Stephen Lockwood’s case, his friendship with Micheal Djoric, Micheal’s partner Tahlia Wallace, and their almost five-month-old daughter, Daisy, runs deep.
Stephen first met Micheal when he joined 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, in 2013. Together, they were deployed to Afghanistan. Now they hang out all the time.
Stephen readily admits he wouldn’t be where he is without Micheal and Tahlia, and this is reciprocated just as much by his friends.
“We’re very close to him, probably his closest family. It means a lot to be here, sharing this with him,” Tahlia said.
