Kiwi takes top Invictus Games award
New Zealand Defence Force Invictus Games team member George Nepata has topped off what he says is a life-changing experience by taking the Exceptional Performance of the Games Award.
The Sydney Games wrapped up last night with a closing ceremony featuring performances by a star-studded line-up and attended by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Mr Nepata, who was left a tetraplegic after he was injured in a training accident in Singapore in 1989, said he was humbled to receive the Exceptional Performance award.
“It was something I never expected and just came out of the blue. It was an awesome atmosphere going through the crowd, through the other competitors, just shaking their hands, high-fiving and clapping. It was just an overwhelming and humbling experience,” he said.
Mr Nepata’s family — wife Kim, daughter Air Force Corporal Whakapono, 14-year-old son Ngaheke, mother Christine Kidwell and brother Damien Nepata — were there to see him honoured.
“For them to be there has just been overwhelming. I’m so proud,” he said.
“This has been a life-changing moment and experience that I’ve shared with my teammates. I’m just so proud of them all. They’re all helping me.”
Mr Nepata’s award recognised his tremendous contribution to the NZDF’s wheelchair rugby team — as the only team member fully dependent on a wheelchair he had to play all five games.
He had another special moment during the game against Australia, when the Australian and New Zealand teams combined to ensure he scored a try.
“It’s just been an amazing, amazing experience to be part of this whole Invictus Games,” Mr Nepata said.
NZDF Invictus Games Contingent Commander Commodore Dave Proctor said he heard Mr Nepata’s mother call out “That’s my boy, that’s my boy”.
“For me, watching George with his family is what Invictus is about — so many happy and proud Kiwis representing Aotearoa so very well,” Commodore Proctor said.
“Every person’s journey is different but what I love about it is it’s giving everyone a chance to be proud, to represent their nation, to show their family what it’s about,” he said.
“It is part of that journey from the injuries they’ve suffered back to feeling valued as fully representational, contributing Kiwis.”
The Games’ Above and Beyond Award went to Netherlands competitor Edwin Vermetten, who calmed a fellow competitor who became emotional when a helicopter flew overhead during their tennis match by singing him “Let it Go” from the Frozen movie.
New Zealand won one gold medal and one bronze at the Games, with Craig Wilson taking gold in the 1500m and Nu Filo bronze in shot put.
The team returns to New Zealand later today, accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The Invictus Games are an international adaptive event that use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate greater understanding and respect for wounded, injured and ill current and former service men and women.
This year’s week-long event in Sydney involved 500 competitors from 18 allied nations competing in 11 different adaptive sports.
The NZDF team was sponsored by Auckland RSA, Christchurch Memorial RSA, Fulton Hogan, Jaguar Land Rover and Direct Sport.
The team’s Games’ journey can be seen on:
Facebook: @NZInvictusTeam
Instagram: @NZInvictusTeam
Twitter: @nzdefenceforce
