On day five of competition featuring powerlifting, wheelchair rugby and swimming finals, fans had their say on the atmosphere around Invictus Games Sydney 2018 presented by Jaguar Land Rover.
Jane Kiernicki, a Five Dock mother of two, found a distinct difference between the sport her family normal watches, rugby league.
“There’s more crowd involvement,” Kiernicki said.
“The atmosphere has been great. You cheer for everyone.
‘’It doesn’t matter who wins, you are just happy to see everyone have a go.”
Husband Joe took a lot of out how the athletes that were competing.
“The players have so much comradeship and are so entertaining,” he said.
“I like the fact that Australia has really embraced the Invictus Games.
“We like the inclusion. It’s been brilliant.”
Elsewhere, a group of 19 former Royal Marines between them travelled from every Australian state to witness the Games in person.
Tim Snow travelled from Perth, Western Australia and has been impressed with the diversity of the competing nations.
“There are so many people here from all walks of life,” he said.
“The team spirit is amazing.”
Victorian Steve Lawrence could attest that the bond between former servicemen and women stands the test of time.
“Age makes no difference, we talk the same talk,” he said.
“It’s been tremendous. It’s a brotherhood. It’s an experience I couldn’t have done without.”
Bev Jordan
Invictus Games Sydney 2018