The Australian War Memorial has marked 100 days to go until the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 by installing a banner featuring former Special Forces Commander Garry Robinson. The banner will raise awareness of the wounded, injured and ill military community amongst its more than 3000 daily visitors in the build-up to the Games.
Speaking at the banner unveiling, Dr Brendan Nelson AO, Director of the Australian War Memorial called on Australians to buy tickets and be in the stands to support our wounded warriors at Invictus Games Sydney 2018, presented by Jaguar Land Rover.
Tickets for the Closing Ceremony and further sports and sessions went on sale to the public at 10am Thursday. Invictus Games Sydney 2018 will showcase the healing power of sport as 500 competitors from 18 nations contest 11 sports across eight days of fierce competition from 20 to 27 October.
“Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the unconquered human spirit of our wounded warriors at the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Closing Ceremony, said Dr Nelson. “This will be an unforgettable experience as we salute the courage and resilience of those who will compete in Sydney after eight days of incredible competition.
“We want to send them off with a party to remember, to fill the stadium in an international show of support for our defence community.”
Dr Nelson was joined by members of the 2018 Australian Invictus Games Team, dignitaries, corporate partners of the Games and representatives from the ex-service organisation community.
Dr Nelson said the Games are an opportunity for Australia to celebrate the unconquerable spirit of our wounded, injured and ill former and currently serving defence personnel and to recognise the families and friends who support them.
Tickets for the Games start from just $20 and people can secure their place in the stands here.
The Games highlight the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of those who serve their country. The Games also celebrate the crucial role played by family and friends in the recovery process.
Garry Robinson was severely injured in 2010 in a Black Hawk helicopter crash in Afghanistan that claimed the lives of three Australian Commandos and an American soldier. His injuries included internal bleeding, a punctured lung, a severe traumatic brain injury and a fractured left leg, which was later amputated below the knee.
The Sydney Games will be the first time the doctors and nurses who saved Garry’s life will be able to see him compete.
“It means so much to me to be able to compete in front of a home crowd in Sydney,” said Robinson. “I spent two and a half years in hospital and I was told I would never swim or ride a bike again, but I now have the opportunity to show my family and friends and the medical staff who have supported me how far I’ve really come.
“Sport has been a big part of my rehabilitation, especially since competing in the first Invictus Games,” he said. “I came home from that wanting to compete more. It has given me purpose again, something to focus on.
“I know I have come so far and have trained hard so, regardless of the results, I already feel like I have won.”
Garry Robinson says the Games experience will be made even more memorable for those competing if the stands are full of supporters.
“Being involved in the Invictus Games has truly brought to life the healing power of sport – not only for me, but for every single person competing in the Games,” he said. “As Australians, we all share a love of sport. I encourage people in the community to get involved and show their support by buying a ticket to come and cheer on those competing at this year’s Sydney Games.”
Events will be staged across Greater Sydney, including at Sydney Olympic Park and on and around Sydney Harbour, with the Closing Ceremony to be held at the Qudos Bank Arena.
Be inspired. Be entertained. Be there. In October 2018 it’s Game On Down Under.