Invictus Games: Day Three Wrap Up

SSGT Gareth Pratt, WO2 Koro Hati, CPL Tira Kaa and Stephen Limbrick during the sailing event.

The Invictus Games Sydney 2018 really got under way for the New Zealand Defence Force team today as competitors lined up in medal events.

First up were cyclists team co-captain Sergeant Kelly Whittle, Major Kiely Pepper, Warrant Officer Class One PJ Harimate and Craig Wilson in the time trial around the Botanic Gardens. No medals but a win to get a visit from special guest Prince Harry after their races.

HRH The Duke of Sussex with SGT Kelly Whittle, Craig Wilson, MAJ Kiely Pepper and Matt Reid at the cycling venue.

Next up our sailors took to Sydney Harbour, after a karakia for the boats from team Padre Darren O’Callaghan. Competing on the water were Daryl Burton, Petty Officer Ihaka Matairangi, Chief Petty Officer Bart Couprie, Ben Peckham, Warrant Officer Class Two Koro Hati, team co-captain Staff Sergeant Gareth Pratt, Steve Limbrick and Corporal Tira Kaa.

One of the two teams was just pipped for a place in the final but overall a great day on the water.

Our cyclists returned to the Botanic Gardens track for the criterium. No podium places but, as SGT Whittle said, “a primo day”.

Major Kiely Pepper and Sergeant Kelly Whittle cycle together during the criterium cycling event.

Chief of Defence Air Marshal Kevin Short, Warrant Officer of Defence Mark “Titch” Mortiboy and NZ team patron Willie Apiata, VC, watched the action today. They were joined by Australian Chief of Defence General Angus Campbell and team sponsors including Fulton Hogan’s Jules Hogan, Kenny Didham, Nick Marinelli, Graeme Johnson, Cos Bruyn, Auckland RSA vice-president Marty Donoghue, Christchurch Memorial RSA President Pete Dawson and KPMG’s Grant Riley.

Kiwi supporters watching the sailing including The Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force Air Marshal Kevin Short supports the Kiwi Invictus Team with his wife Sherryll Short, Warrant Officer of the Defence Force WO1 Mark Mortiboy, CDRE Dave Proctor, LTCDR Letisha Fitchett, Warrent Officer of the Air Force W/O Toni Tate, Defence Attache GPCAPT Ian Mower and Fulton Hogan sponsor representatives, Jules Fulton and Kenny Didham.

AM Short said it was an excellent day.

“The team, sponsors, family and friends are all great. So proud of our team.”

Tomorrow a number of our team will compete in the rowing, while four will take the court in wheelchair tennis.

View the Facebook gallery of all photos.

Throughout the Games the team’s journey can be followed on:

Facebook: @NZInvictusTeam
Instagram: @NZInvictusTeam
Twitter: @nzdefenceforce