Life-changing experience for NZDF Invictus Games team members
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Invictus Games Sydney 2018 team will return home tomorrow a different team to the one that crossed the Tasman Sea 10 days ago
The people are the same but the experiences they’ve had has helped them all in their journey – and that’s why Prince Harry, who with wife Meghan Markle will travel to New Zealand with the team, created the Games.
The Invictus Games are an international adaptive event that uses 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 event involved 500 competitors from 18 allied nations competing in 11 adaptive sports.
NZDF team member Ben Peckham left the New Zealand Army about 20 years ago but it was only in recent years that he was diagnosed with service-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and, subsequently, bi-polar disorder.
He competed in sailing, discus, power lifting and wheelchair basketball and said the experience had been life-changing.
“The Games have been inspiring, and it’s a promise of what’s going to happen for me in the future,” he said.
Mr Peckham was supported at the Games by his sons, aged 14 and four, and their mothers. He said it was important for his former partners to be there because they were part of his journey.
“And for my sons, it shows them that I’ll be all right, that they don’t need to worry about Dad,” he said.
Contingent Commander Commodore Dave Proctor said it was incredibly rewarding for families to see their loved ones competing and being part of a team.
“Every person’s journey is different but what I love about it, 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.”
New Zealand won one gold medal and one bronze, with Craig Wilson taking gold in the 1500m and Nu Filo a bronze in shot put.
Both paid tribute to their families and their support.
“They’ve been part of the journey. They have picked me up when I’m down and it’s a celebration for all of us,” Mr Filo said.
The NZDF team is 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
