Invictus Games: Day Four Wrap Up
“I just knew I was doing it in front of my family. I kept going and went hard for them.”
Those were the words of Lance Corporal Matt Vangioni after his indoor rowing events at the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 today.
LCPL Vangioni was one of 13 members of the Kiwi team to compete in the rowing today, and all achieved personal bests watched by family and friends.
He summed up the feelings of many of his fellow teammates when he said his family had been a huge support since he was injured and had supported him in his recovery.
“Especially my wife — she’s been really great and it’s good to have her for the end result, watching these Games,” he said.
Our tennis foursome of Jules Bramley, Vanessa Bawden-Pere, Steve Fell and Daryl Burton also enjoyed the support of their families as they got under way today. The men got off to a dream start with a win over the Australian team, before going down in their second match against the United States.
The women’s pair lost to Australia but enjoyed the chance to have a good hit out in what was their first official game together.
Minister of Defence Ron Mark, Chief of Defence Air Marshal Kevin Short and New Zealand High Commissioner to Australia Chris Seed were among those watching the action and supporting our team today.
Tomorrow co-captain Staff Sergeant Gareth Pratt, Nicki Fairbairn, Corporal Megan Marshall and Steve Fell take to the pool, the tennis four hit the courts again and CPL Marshall, Nu Filo and Damien Nepata compete in the powerlifting.
View the Facebook gallery of all photos
Throughout the Games the team’s journey can be followed on:
Facebook: @NZInvictusTeam
Instagram: @NZInvictusTeam
Twitter: @nzdefenceforce
