Invictus Games team spreads word on healing through sport
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Invictus Games team went back to school today to spread the word on the healing power of the Games.
The Invictus Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate understanding and respect for wounded, injured or ill current and former servicemen and women. The NZDF is sending 25 competitors to this year’s Games, being held in Sydney in October.
Students at Canterbury’s Rolleston College have been studying adaptive sport, and today’s visit gave them a chance to hear the NZDF team’s stories and see them training.
Army Warrant Officer Class 2 Koro Hati, who won bronze in team archery at a previous Games, said team members had shared their experiences and ongoing physical and mental challenges with the students.
“They were really interested in what we had to say. It shows them that it’s not just able-bodied people who can enjoy sport — anybody can,” Warrant Officer Hati said.
“They also learned that the most impaired person is the most able person when you’re in a chair.”
Warrant Officer Hati, who suffers hearing loss and hip problems as a result of his service, said adaptive sport should be a standard part of the school curriculum because it made students aware that people had different abilities.
Rolleston College physical education head Andrew Gebbie said a key part of the module had been teaching the students empathy.
“Our learners have taken on board the presentations and the values of the Invictus Games and have started to make links to our school values,” Mr Gebbie said.
“It has been a big part of this unit, having conversations about empathy and understanding. It’s so empowering for our learners to talk about the challenges that the Invictus competitors have overcome.”
Hearing from team members with mental illness such as PTSD had been hugely important, Mr Gebbie said.
“It is very obvious that an amputee or someone in a wheelchair has a disability but to talk openly about mental illness, and specifically PTSD, was a great opportunity. This gives our learners the tools to recognise these feelings within themselves and talk openly about what was previously not spoken of.
“It has taught our learners that the greatest challenges or traumas can be overcome.”
The Invictus Games Sydney 2018, presented by Jaguar Land Rover, are being held from 20–27 October and will involve competitors from 18 allied nations, competing in 11 different adaptive sports.
The NZDF team is sponsored by Auckland RSA, Christchurch Memorial RSA, Fulton Hogan, Jaguar Land Rover and Direct Sport.
Throughout the Games the team’s journey can be followed on:
NZDF Invictus Team Facebook: facebook.com/NZInvictusTeam
NZDF Invictus Team Instagram: @NZInvictusTeam
NZDF Twitter: @nzdefenceforce
