Olympic rower gets behind Invictus Games
The Invictus Games are the only international adaptive sporting event for wounded, injured and ill active duty and former service members. This year’s event, from 20–27 October, will involve 500 competitors from 18 allied nations in 11 different adaptive sports.
The NZDF team was welcomed to the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 with a powhiri yesterday and this morning Murray took the rowers for a training session at Sydney’s Olympic Park, where many of the events are being held.
The Games were a great way of using sport to empower people and help them physically and mentally, he said.
“To be able to use sport after having suffered a debilitating injury or illness is a great way to help people take control of their lives,” he said.
“Sport should be something to be enjoyed by anyone in the world. It’s great physically and mentally. I have seen the way that indoor rowing can change people’s lives once they see that they are able to do it, compete at it and get a sense of achievement from it.”
Murray said he loved meeting the team and helping with their training.
“Actually to be here and to be invited to come and see what our team is doing is awesome. It’s a great initiative.”
Team member Major Kiely Pepper said it was “fabulous” to have someone of the calibre of Murray involved.
“He’s an amazing athlete and to have someone like him recognise what we’re doing and give us some tips, to encourage us and give us support was just fantastic,” she said.
“It raises our profile and helps us share the Games with a much wider audience.”
Invictus Games founder Prince Harry will open the Games tomorrow night, on the steps of the iconic Sydney Opera House.
The Invictus Games Sydney 2018 are presented by Jaguar Land Rover. 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:
Facebook: @NZInvictusTeam
Instagram: @NZInvictusTeam
Twitter: @nzdefenceforce
