The Sydney Opera House will be the venue for the Opening Ceremony of Invictus Games Sydney 2018 presented by Jaguar Land Rover.
Today marks one year to go until more than 500 wounded, injured and ill veteran and current servicemen and women descend on Sydney to showcase the healing power of sport and the resilience of the human spirit.
“Prince Harry reminded us last month that it’s now ‘game on down under’, and we’re all systems go as we prepare to welcome the Invictus Games to Australia,” said Invictus Games Sydney Chief Delivery Officer, Michael Hartung.
“For many of our wounded warriors and the family and friends who support them, their Invictus Games journey is just beginning and in 365 days they will arrive at the Sydney Opera House to celebrate how far they’ve come.”
“What a wonderful moment that will be for our international visitors, our Australian team and the family and friends who have shared their journey of rehabilitation,” he said.
The Invictus Games is an international sporting event for wounded, injured and ill current and veteran defence personnel. Founded by Invictus Games Foundation Patron Prince Harry in 2014, the Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve. The Games also recognise the critical role played by family and friends.
Invictus Games Australian team member Garry Robinson, who has competed at the last three Games, says the excitement and warmth of the Australian spectators will make all the competitors feel at home.
“We are all one big family, irrespective of what country you come from or what injuries you have,” said Mr Robinson. “I think Australia will be right behind all the competitors.”
The 2017 Invictus Games were held in Toronto last month and Mr Hartung says there was a real sense of excitement in Canada about next year’s Games ‘down under’.
“In Toronto Prince Harry paid tribute to the competitors for their service and their achievements in again representing their countries, this time on the sporting field,” said Mr Hartung.
“He also reminded them that the world needs their dedication and their passion like never before,” said Mr Hartung. “That passion is inspirational and our job is to make sure we provide an amazing Invictus Games experience for them.”
New South Wales Premier, the Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP, has called on all Australians to get on board for Invictus Games 2018.
“On 20 October 2018, NSW will celebrate the healing power of sport and cheer on more than 500 competitors from 18 nations,” said the Premier. “I look forward to welcoming competitors to NSW for an unforgettable Invictus Games.”
The Invictus Games is for competitors of all abilities and seeks to ignite their ‘unconquered’ spirit. Joining the competitors in Sydney will be around a thousand family and friends who have been by their side as they faced the physical and emotional challenges of recovery and rehabilitation.
“Our entire state is incredibly proud of the Invictus Games competitors who have represented NSW and the nation so well in Toronto and we are all counting down to Sydney 2018,” said NSW Minister for Veterans Affairs, the Hon David Elliott MP.
More than 500 competitors from 18 nations will compete in 11 sports in Sydney from 20-27 October in 2018. The events will be staged across Greater Sydney, including Sydney Olympic Park and on and around Sydney Harbour, with the Opening Ceremony to be held at the Sydney Opera House.
“Invictus Games Sydney 2018 would not be possible without the amazing support of our event partners from government, business, not-for-profit and the defence community’” said Mr Hartung. “We are also delighted to have Jaguar Land Rover Australia as our official Presenting Partner.”
Jaguar Land Rover became involved with the Games at the inaugural event in London and last month, Jaguar Land Rover Australia became the Presenting Partner of Invictus Games Sydney 2018.
Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Australia, Matthew Wiesner, says the company is incredibly proud to continue its association with Invictus Games.
“As a company, Jaguar Land Rover has been committed to supporting wounded, ill and injured active duty and veteran servicemen and women for many years. Since 2014, we have recruited more than 700 ex-military personnel to join the company globally.
“We look forward to working with the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 team over the next year to bring an amazing event to the Australian public, and to all of the international competitors and visitors expected to join us.”
“For many of our wounded warriors and the family and friends who support them, their Invictus Games journey is just beginning and in 365 days they will arrive at the Sydney Opera House to celebrate how far they’ve come.”
Michael Hartung