Team Australia competitors inspire at Invictus Games 2023

The Invictus Games 2023 is underway in Dusseldorf, Germany following an impressive Opening Ceremony that celebrated the power of sport, the resilience of veterans and the unconquered Invictus spirit.

The Invictus Games is an international, adaptive multi-sports competition of individual and team sports including athletics, indoor rowing, powerlifting, road cycling, sitting volleyball, table tennis, swimming, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby.

Team Australia is made up of 31 current and former serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill during their military service.

Team Australia are up against some 500 competitors from 21 nations at the Dusseldorf event, which runs from 9th to 16th September.

Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh MP, said the Government was proud to support the Invictus Games, celebrating the determination of Australian veterans and added "The Invictus Games demonstrates the healing power of sport. Our veterans are inspirational in refusing to be defeated or defined by illness or injury on their road to recovery.

"Our competitors have already exceeded every expectation in making it to the start line. Throughout the Games we'll see how sport can lift people up, support their recovery and help to overcome challenges.

"I acknowledge the important role our competitors' families and friends play in supporting them - be it in community sport, or getting them all the way to the Games.

"Our Invictus competitors are fantastic role models, not just to veterans, but all people with illness or disability, encouraging them to get engaged in their local communities while demonstrating they can succeed in sport.

"Throughout the Games I encourage you all to cheer on Team Australia, but the simple truth is, no matter the outcome, they're already done themselves, and our nation proud."

The Invictus Games is an international, adaptive multi-sports competition of individual and team sports including athletics, indoor rowing, powerlifting, road cycling, sitting volleyball, table tennis, swimming, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby.

Team Australia's 31 strong team will be up against some 500 competitors from 21 nations at the Dusseldorf event, which runs from 9 to 16 September.

The Australian team is supported by the ADF and Invictus Australia.

Image top (from left): Team Australia cycling coach, Squadron Leader Damon Stefani and Team Australia competitors James Barker and Karney Armstrong stand at the entrance to Invictus Village, in preparation for the Invictus Games in Germany, Dusseldorf 2023. Credit: CPOIS Andrew Dakin; Image above: Team Australia competitor Lenny Redrose conducts wheelchair rugby training at the Merkur Spiel-Arena at Dusseldorf, Germany, in preparation for the Invictus Games, Dusseldorf 2023. CPOIS Andrew Dakin