The official workforce uniforms have been unveiled to mark 25 days until the start of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 presented by Jaguar Land Rover.
A group of Games volunteers modelled the uniforms which have been manufactured by Australian brand KingGee.
Members of the 2018 Australian Invictus Games Team, Invictus Games Sydney 2018 CEO Patrick Kidd OBE and Head of Workwear Group, Doug Swan joined the volunteers to celebrate the milestone at the Hyatt Regency in Darling Harbour.
Mr Kidd says the uniforms will be proudly worn by more than 1,000 volunteers whose enthusiastic support will ensure competitors, their family and friends enjoy a positive life-changing experience in Sydney.
“We are very grateful that so many people, both in Australia and from overseas, registered their interest to volunteer for Invictus Games Sydney 2018,” said Mr Kidd.
“Delivering the Invictus Games would not be possible without their support and whenever you see one of these vibrant uniforms, you can be sure there is a friendly volunteer ready to assist you.
“We know our competitors and their family and friends will receive the warmest of Aussie welcomes from this passionate and purpose aligned cohort and we are delighted to welcome them to our Invictus Games Sydney 2018 family,” he said.
The uniform design is influenced by the ‘down under’ theme of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018, with a graphic dot element symbolising the opportunity created by the Games to connect the defence community with corporate and community supporters. Three styles have been produced to dress staff, volunteers and technical officials.
The uniforms also feature a message of thanks from His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Ret’d), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Ambassador.
Matthew Patterson Norrie is one of the volunteers who will wear the uniform. His family has served in the Australian Defence Force across three generations, dating back to the Boer War. His twin brother is currently serving with the Australian Army and recently returned from deployment in Afghanistan. Patterson Norrie is employed by Jaguar Land Rover, the Presenting Partner of the Games and is looking forward to the opportunity to serve the military community.
“As soon as Jaguar Land Rover announced their role as Presenting Partner of Invictus Games Sydney 2018 I put my hand up to volunteer,” said Patterson Norrie. “Having family members who served and are still serving, it is a privilege to give back to those who have been wounded, injured or become ill whilst in service.
“I am proud to wear this uniform and to have the opportunity to support our defence community,” he said.
Founded in 2014 by His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex, the Invictus Games highlight the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of those who serve their country.
Former Australian Army Warrant Officer, Craig McGrath, will compete as a member of the 2018 Australian Invictus Games Team and he spoke of the impact community support is having on team morale.
“Since being wounded in action in 2012, I have struggled to find something that challenges me in the same way that the military did,” said McGrath. “Sport has offered the environment to challenge myself once again.
“Being part of a team, you have a goal, you’re facing a challenge and you’re overcoming it together,” he said. “Knowing the Australian public are behind us is an incredibly humbling experience and it is boosting all of us to make this next 25 days count!
“It’s been brilliant to meet some of the volunteers today and we are so grateful to have their support,” he said.
Head of Workwear Group Doug Swan spoke of the honour the brand carries in being a part of Australian history.
“KingGee is part of the Workwear Group who are behind every iconic Australian workwear uniform – from dressing soldiers throughout the wars to the workers who built the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It makes perfect sense that we should be the workwear provider for yet another exciting chapter in Australia’s history.
“There are going to be a lot of long days for the hard-working volunteers of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018, so we are delighted that we can dress them in our comfortable and functional KingGee workwear – we really understand that when it comes to workwear, ‘comfort is king’,” said Swan.
500 competitors from 18 nations will contest medals in 11 sports in Sydney from 20-27 October 2018.
Events will be held across Greater Sydney, including Sydney Olympic Park and on and around Sydney Harbour.
“Sydney Olympic Park is Australia’s premier multi-venue and event precinct which has built on the legacy of the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games to be a world-leader when it comes to hosting major sporting events,” said Charles Moore, CEO of the Sydney Olympic Park Authority.
“We are very proud to host the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 at our venues and look forward to welcoming competitors, their supporters and the volunteers who will help make the Games a great success.”
With 25 days to go until the Opening Ceremony of the Games, and 75% of tickets already sold, the public are being urged to get in quick so not to miss out.
Be inspired. Be entertained. Be there. Get your tickets today!