Invictus Games 2025: Meet our NZ Team

Snowboarding, Skeleton, Wheelchair Curling, Indoor Rowing, Swimming, Wheelchair Rugby (reserve)

Making new friendships and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, to move my recovery forward some more. I can’t wait to see my teammates and people from the other nations compete and be inspired by their stories of resilience. 

I had the honour of competing at Invictus Games 2023 in Dusseldorf, and while I got so much from those Games I am still on my road to recovery (or acceptance) and I felt I could stretch and gain more by applying again. I also wanted to be able to support new team members on their journey as I know how hard it can be to take those first steps in asking for help. 

Second time (Germany 2023)

Alpine Skiing, Skeleton, Wheelchair Basketball

Representing my country, being a part of a fantastic team and community along with attending a fantastic cause that helps people recover from their stories. Helping me to recover, more than just physically.

To help with my recovery and to help others with theirs in any way I can.

First time

Alpine Skiing, Skeleton, Wheelchair Basketball

Representing my country and the NZDF first and foremost, and being a part of a fantastic team again. I am excited about these Hybrid games and participating with so many inspirational people from other nations, as they push themselves despite the adversity they face.

I had the honour of attending Invictus Games 2023, and got so much from these Games I wanted to continue the journey to Invictus 2025. It’s impossible to say the positive impact being involved with Invictus has had on me and my overall wellbeing. Again I want to push myself physically and mentally to the best of my ability and be surrounded by amazing people from our International WIS (wounded, injured and sick) community.

Second time (Germany 2023)

Snowboarding, Indoor Rowing, Wheelchair Basketball

I’m looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere of the games from a competitor’s point of view. I was fortunate enough to support my wife at the 2023 Games, and the whole experience was amazing. I am excited to take steps on my own quest to recovery as well as supporting others on theirs.

I supporting my wife through her Invictus Games journey in 2023. It was inspirational, and it was actually my wife who encouraged me to apply for Invictus Games 2025. Happily we both got selected so we are able to journey together this time. 

First time

Greg Carter (Navy)

Snowboarding, Indoor Rowing, Swimming, Wheelchair Rugby, Wheelchair Basketball (reserve)

Looking forward to meeting other nation’s competitors and playing the variety of sports which we do not often get to do in New Zealand.

To be on a journey of recovery with fellow service people from around the world.

First time

Tracey Dender (Ex-Army)

Snowboarding, Skeleton, Indoor Rowing, Swimming, Wheelchair Rugby

Meeting people, learning more tips for recovery and the journey to get there (to the Games). The positive environment that Invictus has created.

I knew people who had been previously and they had suggested I apply. I had heard only positive feedback regarding the Games. 

First time

Edward Dore-Wright (Army)

Nordic Cross Country Skiing, Biathlon, Skeleton, Indoor Rowing, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby

I’m looking forward to the competition and team spirit also experiencing the full Invictus environment. I believe the team will grow personally and collectively which will add to everyone’s journey.

I have attended a training camp in the past, but the timing wasn’t right for me personally to push forward and attend an Invictus Games. I applied for the 2025 Games as I believed my journey was at the right stage for me and the family to attend, gain some valuable experience and also share and enable others.

First time

Tina Grant (Army)

Alpine Skiing, Wheelchair Curling, Indoor Rowing, Wheelchair Rugby

Competition, success and self worth.

To support others in their recovery journey but then realised I am one of those people!

First time

Tyler-Marie Gray (Navy)

Snowboarding, Skeleton, Wheelchair Curling, Indoor Rowing, Swimming

The team environment, the experience, to put myself outside my comfort zone.

I felt this year I applied as it would give me a sense of closure, it would help me heal and come to terms with everything. But also, put me around people who understand and I can genuinely relate to the struggle I have had.

First time

Leigh Gurney (Air Force)

Alpine Skiing, Indoor Rowing, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby

The comradery of my new and returning team mates and sharing the highs and lows of the Invictus journey with them.  Meeting and sharing stories with other competitors who have similar experiences to me and being in an environment of acceptance. 

I had the honour of competing in Invictus Games 2023 in Germany, the experience will stay with me for life.  To keep improving physically and mentally on this long road of rehabilitation. 

Second time (Germany 2023)

Soren Hall (Army)

Nordic Cross Country Skiing, Biathlon, Skeleton, Indoor Rowing, Swimming

Seeing how I respond to my triggers and conducting new snow sports. Plus, reconnecting with Canadians who deployed with me to Kandahar in 2008. This is my angle this time, as it was a Canadian commanded Hospital in which I worked in. Therefore, I want to be more available at the games as this is where this story will play out, especially as my F&F also served in this hospital.

To assist with my recovery by presenting me opportunities to test myself mentally.

Second time (Germany 2023)

Buffy Little (Army)

Second time (Germany 2023)

First time

Symon Dynes (Ex-Army)

Nordic Cross Country Skiing, Biathlon, Wheelchair Curling, Indoor Rowing, Swimming

The opportunity to participate in a team environment at a sporting event of this size is something I never thought would be achievable.

I have looked at the Games over a number of years and wondered how to get involved. So, when the opportunity came up, I applied.

First time