It’s your turn to #MakeYourMarkDownUnder

Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Ambassador Curtis McGrath OAM and fellow Games competitors, Michaela Gilewicz,  LAC Wade Roberts and LCPL Gary Wilson,  led the way at Sydney Olympic Park today where hundreds joined a community ‘Walk and Talk’ to launch ‘Make Your Mark Down Under’.

‘Make Your Mark Down Under’ is a call to action for individuals, organisations and communities to volunteer their time, drive awareness, support positive change and fundraise for Invictus Games Sydney 2018.

At the closing ceremony of the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto Prince Harry, 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.”

The launch event featured a ‘Walk and Talk’ to celebrate the healing power of sport and the importance of connecting with your support network of family and friends.

Invictus Games Sydney 2018, presented by Jaguar Land Rover, is asking all Australians to take action in their community to show support for our wounded warriors.

“No matter where you are or what you do, there is a role for you in the Invictus Games Sydney 2018. This is a moment in time for us to all come together as a nation and actively demonstrate support for our defence community,” said McGrath who recently left the Australian Army after more than a decade of service.

“We’re calling on all Australians to embrace this call to action and ‘Make Your Mark’. Set yourself a goal, whether big or small, to do something tangible in your community and let our wounded warriors know we’re behind them.”

The Invictus Games seeks to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and recognise the crucial role played by family and friends in the recovery process.

His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wales, has echoed calls for Australians to get involved in the community.

“On 20 October 2018, the people of Sydney and New South Wales look forward to welcoming competitors and their friends and family, to celebrate the healing power of sport and show their support for wounded, injured and ill veterans and serving defence personnel,” said His Excellency.

“The Invictus Games represents something far greater than eight days of competition; the Games are a recognition of the ongoing contribution and sacrifices made by our current veterans and their families, and those who continue to serve.”

More than 500 competitors from 18 nations will compete in 11 sports in Sydney from 20-27 October 2018. The 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.

Watch the #MakeYourMarkDownUnder launch video here.

To find out how to #MakeYourMarkDownUnder in your community visit invictusgames2018.org/make-your-mark

How to share your #MakeYourMarkDownUnder moment

• Post a photo of you ‘making your mark’ on instagram, facebook or twitter and make sure to include #IG2018 and #MakeYourMarkDownUnder
• Geotag your post to ‘Make Your Mark’
• Update your privacy settings so that our Games community can see your ‘Make Your Mark’ moment by setting your post as public and disabling your social account privacy settings
• Register at  invictusgames2018.org and check in regularly for inspiration, resources and tips to help you #MakeYourMarkDownUnder

“No matter where you are or what you do, there is a role for you in the Invictus Games Sydney 2018. This is a moment in time for us to all come together as a nation and actively demonstrate support for our defence community.”

Curtis McGrath OAM