Minister for Defence & Assistant Defence Minister – Australian Invictus Games 2020 team announced

Defence

AUSTRALIAN INVICTUS GAMES 2020 TEAM ANNOUNCED

Assistant Defence Minister, the Hon Alex Hawke MP today announced in Sydney the combined Australian Defence Force, Returned Services League and Veteran Sport Australia team that will represent Australia at the 2020 Invictus Games.

32 current and former serving military members have been selected to represent Australia at the games to be held in The Hague, the Netherlands from 9 to 16 May 2020.

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said events like the Invictus Games give athletes an opportunity to realise their extraordinary potential post injury.

“Through training and competing, athletes draw deep on their talents and fighting spirit, and learn new skills to overcome their physical and mental challenges,” Minister Reynolds said.

“The Games are an opportunity to honour the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have defended our freedoms and values, and acknowledge the determination and courage our Australian team members have shown to overcome adversity and compete.”

Minister Hawke said he was proud of each and every one of the 2020 Australian team.

“I congratulate the members on their selection in the Australian team for the Invictus Games The Hague 2020,” Minister Hawke said.

“Invictus is an opportunity to highlight the strength, determination and sportsmanship of current and former military personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill during their military service.

“I have no doubt you will be an inspiration to each other and your families, and motivate your fellow servicemen and women to consider sport as part of their rehabilitation.”

The Invictus Games is an international, adaptive multi-sports competition for current and former military personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill during their military service.

500 competitors from 20 nations will compete in individual and team sports, including archery, athletics, indoor rowing, the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge, powerlifting, road cycling, sailing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby.

Competitor biographies are online at www.defence.gov.au/events/invictusgames

Imagery will be avaible at: https://images.defence.gov.au/S20200851

/Public Release.