The suicide prevention charity R U OK? is working together with Invictus Games Sydney 2018 to shine a light on the healing power of sport.
R U OK? CEO, Brendan Maher, said the Games will provide an opportunity to inspire the Australian community with incredible stories of resilience, while highlighting the power of sport to support recovery from both physical and mental injury.
“Participation in sport doesn’t only benefit our physical health, it helps us connect with others and strengthen relationships,” said Mr Maher.
“R U OK? is excited to work with Invictus Games Sydney 2018 to bring people together and help start meaningful conversations about mental health and wellbeing.”
Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Ambassador, Leesa Kwok, said her partner’s participation in the Australian Team at the Invictus Games Orlando (in 2016) changed their life.
“He went from hiding, and he was literally hiding at home for months at a time,” said Ms Kwok.
“Sport creates great endorphins which then rolls into the other parts of your life. So he wasn’t just engaging in sports he was engaging in our family again.” Hear Leesa’s story.
Sydney will welcome 500 competitors from 18 nations to compete in 11 sports when the Invictus Games comes to town. The Games will also recognise over 1,000 family members and friends who play an integral role in supporting the competitors.
R U OK? encourages individuals, families, workplaces, clubs and groups across the country to join the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 journey and ‘make their mark’ in showing support of our wounded warriors. ‘Making your mark’ can be as simple as going for a ‘walk and talk’ with a mate using R U OK?’s four steps to start a conversation about life’s ups and downs.