Australian Sports Ministers endorse new domestic veterans sporting event

Following the success of the Invictus Games, Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers have today endorsed the establishment of a bi-annual competition for service veterans to take part in Australia.

Backing for the event was agreed at the meeting of Sport and Recreation Ministers in Sydney and prior to the Invictus Games closing ceremony.

To take place in the alternate years to the Invictus Games, the dedicated service veterans sporting event will be led by RSL Australia and RSL NSW.

Advising that the Invictus Games legacy will live on in Australia, Federal Minister for Sport Bridget McKenzie stated “the Invictus Games have been an outstanding success and a true demonstration of the power of sport.

“The atmosphere and spirit of competition and the support by the public has been exceptional and the Invictus Games has demonstrated why it is an important part of the healing for our wounded warriors.

“In addition, establishing dedicated domestic veterans sporting event provides further opportunities for veterans to get involved in existing sports within the broader Australian community.

“The example that these unconquerable warriors has set over this week of the Invictus Games should serve as inspiration for us all. We applaud their efforts and by creating a new veterans competition, it will ensure that this legacy continues to live on.”

Ministers also discussed a number of areas for closer collaboration including addressing the increasing threat to the integrity of sport, developing a policy framework for increasing girls participation in sport and building a more active Australia, recognising the wide ranging benefits of sport and physical activity to individuals and communities.

Prior to the meeting Queensland Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni had called for the nationwide implementation of sport voucher system of up to $250 for families receiving the Family Tax Benefit.

His call followed the findings of a KPMG report which highlights how families earning less than $45,000 a year only have a sport participation rate of 40%.

Invictus Games closing ceremony image courtesy of Tim Worton.