Search Toggle

Invictus Games Sydney 2018

Major sporting events such as the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang and the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games have dominated the news and social media as of late, but not much has been heard of the Invictus Games. Although it is a while to come, from the 20th to the 27th of October this year, Sydney CBD will transform into a multi-sporting arena bringing together 500 competitors from across 18 countries.

With a backdrop as beautiful as this, we’ll be expecting a lot of new recruits to sailing when the sport makes its debut in 2018. #IAM #IG2018 #sydney #sydneyharbour @rpayc @cruising_yacht_club_australia

A post shared by Invictus Games Sydney 2018 (@invictusgames2018) on

Named after Invictus, Latin for “unconquered”, HRH Prince Harry started the games in 2014 inspired from a similar event held in the United States. The games will feature 11 sports for serving military personnel and former military personnel who have been injured, wounded or become ill during their service.

“The Invictus Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding and respect for wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women.”

The first games were held in London 2014, and subsequent games were held in Orlando 2016 and Toronto in 2017. Due to its iconic location, military heritage and sports fanatic characteristics, Sydney has been chosen as the fourth host for the upcoming games.

It is moments like this, that make us proud to be Canadian, and proud to be on the Invictus Games National Flag Tour #IAM #InvictusGames #IG2017 #Goals #PrinceHarry #Sports #Competition Ce sont des moments comme celui-ci qui font que nous sommes fiers d’être Canadiens et de faire partie de la tournée du drapeau #Objectifs #PrinceHarry #Sports #Compétition

A post shared by Invictus Games 2017 (@invictustoronto) on

“These Games have shone a spotlight on the ‘unconquerable’ character of servicemen and women, their families, and the ‘Invictus’ spirit. These games have been about seeing guys sprinting for the finish line and then turning round to clap the last guy in.” HRH Prince Harry, Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation.

Sprinting into the weekend! #IG2018 #InvictusGames #unconquered #GameOnDownUnder

A post shared by Invictus Games Sydney 2018 (@invictusgames2018) on

Talking with Peter Leahy, Chairman for the Australian International Military Games, he describes the legacy that the games will leave behind.

“We want to leave behind an appreciation in the military to look after the injured wounded and ill, not only while they’re in service but also after service. We want the Australian public to have a firm appreciation of the service and sacrifice that soldiers, airmen and sailors do all of the time, not just when they’re wounded, injured and ill.”

There have been various campaigns done in the lead up to the games, the most notable from past games is the feud between the United States team and the United Kingdom, featuring the Obamas and HM The Queen. Which leaves us the question what can we expect in terms of royal presence in the lead up to the games?

Having already successfully gone through three games, the Sydney Games will again host the ten sports played at the first games. These include:

  • Athletics
  • Archery
  • Driving challenge
  • Indoor rowing
  • Powerlifting
  • Road cycling/ Road para-cycling
  • Swimming
  • Sitting volleyball
  • Wheelchair basketball
  • Wheelchair rugby
  • And sailing has recently been added to the Sydney program.

The Australian team will consist of a combination of the ADF and RSL members, and so far over 200 applications have been submitted to form the 2018 team.

To watch the games, the ABC is the official host broadcaster. Alternatively, you can watch the games in person; further information and tickets can be found on the Invictus Games Website.

 

Recent Comments

0

Be the first to comment!

Post Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *