Former Wallabies Captain Stephen Moore will today lead 52 members of the 2018 Australian Invictus Games Team for a unique BridgeClimb to celebrate the launch of ‘Fly the Flag’.
‘Fly the Flag’ is a call to action for individuals, organisations and communities to get behind Invictus Games Sydney 2018 presented by Jaguar Land Rover.
An Ambassador for the Games, Moore will join 222 Invictus Games Sydney 2018 partners and members of the public to climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, while communities across the country will join together to fly flags from iconic landmarks to show their support for our defence community.
At the closing ceremony of the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto, HRH The Duke of Sussex, Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, called on everyone to follow the lead of those who serve.
“To the thousands who filled the stands this week, and the millions who watched at home, let me issue you a challenge. Don’t just move on from these Games with happy memories. Instead, make an Invictus goal for yourselves. Let the examples of service and resilience you have seen inspire you to take action to improve something – big or small – in your life, for your family, or in your community,” said The Duke.
Invictus Games Sydney 2018 is calling on all Australians to show their support for those participating in these Games by flying the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 flag.
“No matter where you are or what you do, there is a role for you in the Invictus Games Sydney 2018,” said Moore, who was inspired to get involved with the Games after seeing a wheelchair rugby demonstration at the Darwin Recovery Centre in 2014.
“This is a moment in time for us to all come together as a nation and actively demonstrate our support for our defence community,” he said.
“We’re calling on all Australians to embrace this call to action and ‘Fly the Flag.’ Get your support network together, whether big or small, to fly the flag in your community and let our wounded warriors know we’re behind them.”
Taking place in Sydney from 20-27 October, the Invictus 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.
Brigid Baker served as an Australian Army Medic for 15 years before she was medically discharged in late 2017 with Post-Traumatic Stress, anxiety and depression. Baker will compete in athletics and powerlifting at Invictus Games Sydney 2018 and believes training has helped her overcome many challenges following injury.
“It has been difficult but this whole journey as part of the Invictus Games has helped me so much,” said Baker.
“The Games have given me a renewed sense of purpose and passion. They provide me with the motivation I need to continue my recovery and be the best I can be.
“After I was discharged, I effectively gave up on everything I enjoyed but participating in sport has changed my outlook,” she said.
“I now see what I can achieve in life and not what I can’t.”
Baker said the experience for those competing will be made even more memorable with nationwide support.
“Being from Canberra I know these aren’t just Sydney’s Games, they’re Australia’s.
“This is our opportunity to put on an international show of support for our defence community. I encourage people in the community to get involved and show their support by flying the flag and spreading the Invictus spirit.” she said.
Flags will fly from over 40 defence bases nationwide today, as well as NSW Government House, Admiralty House and internationally at Australia House in London. Approximately 100 children from Bondi Beach Public School will unfurl the flag at Bondi Beach, while interstate celebrations will take place in Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide.
500 competitors from 18 nations will compete in 11 sports in Sydney from 20-27 October 2018. Events will be staged across Greater Sydney, including at Sydney Olympic Park and on and around Sydney Harbour, with the Opening Ceremony to be held at the Sydney Opera House.
Purchase your own Invictus Games Sydney 2018 flag