The Invictus Games Sydney 2018 presented by Jaguar Land Rover Outreach Program has today celebrated the amazing contribution of volunteers and the power of volunteering.
Olympic legend Ian Thorpe OAM, a volunteer Invictus Games 2018 Ambassador, addressed a crowd of “yellow-brigade” volunteers who have given up their time to ensure the success of these Games.
Thorpe told the enthusiastic group that he was blown away by the interest and support shown by the wider community, to volunteer and be involved, throughout both Australia and internationally.
“Delivering the Invictus Games here in Sydney would not be possible without the support of volunteers,” Thorpe said.
“It’s great to know that there are friendly volunteers welcoming the competitors, their family and friends and the thousands of spectators.”
Thorpe reflected that, “eighteen years ago at the Sydney Olympic Games, volunteers played a crucial role in my personal experience and it is fantastic to see that legacy lives on here back at Sydney Olympic Park with a group of really enthusiastic volunteers at the Invictus Games.”
At an Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Outreach Program breakfast earlier this morning, John McLeod of JBWere Philanthropic Services said that “too often volunteering is overlooked as a social mechanism but research findings show that through social connection and belonging, volunteering is an important pathway in combatting mental health.”
Penny Huang, a hometown Sydney volunteer admits she has the volunteering spirit saying, “volunteering is a lovely way to meet people and all the clichés about feeling warm and fuzzy and doing good are absolutely true. But there was more in it for me as I put myself forward here at the Invictus Games.”
“My husband was the first Asian man recruited into the Australian Navy so I do have a link to the military, but it is more the positive impact that volunteering has on my mental health.
“Several years ago I was struck down for four months from a totally unexpected psychosis, where I was hospitalised and lost touch with reality. I recovered and found that volunteering truly helped me through the dark times and now I feel worthwhile, helpful.
“Being here at the Invicitus Games, I could not be happier.”
Charlie White has driven up from Canberra to work as a sport volunteer at the athletics and is loving it.
“I had 30 years in the military and during that time I was involved in organising sport for the army. I loved it and so started volunteering in my local athletics association and now have been involved for over 25 years in the sport,” White said.
“I am excited about volunteering my skills here at the Games and I hope I can make the athletics competition fun and successful for the competitors.”
Carolyn McSkimming had such an amazing experience volunteering at last year’s Invictus Games with her mother in her native Toronto that she has flown all the way to Australia to do it again.
“It’s inspirational being at the Games. It is amazing to just be here and help. It is something I really wanted to do,” she said.
“My mum passed away two weeks ago but I still chose to come to Australia as a volunteer. So I am here as a tribute to her as well. Volunteering is helping me in my grief. As I observe the phenomenal human spirit of the competitors I feel stronger and that is the power of volunteering.”
Although the social and emotional value of volunteering is championed, the financial value to Australia is often overlooked.
According to Volunteering Australia, volunteers contribute $477.5 million each year to the Australian economy with 12.3 million hours of voluntary work. One in four people volunteer, with most choosing sport, then charity work. If volunteering was a commercial enterprise it would be the largest corporation in Australia.
As the unconquerable spirit flows with inspirational competition on the sporting arenas, so the Invictus attitude flourishes with the Game on Down Under passionate volunteers.
AnneMarie White
Invictus Games Sydney 2018