Invictus Games 2023: Meet our NZ Team

The people, and meeting such wonderful athletes and hearing their journey.

Why did you apply for the Games

To challenge myself and do something I have never done before. Be around courageous people who have had setbacks in life yet continue to push themselves to be better.

Invictus Experience

First Games

I am looking forwards to going back to Dusseldorf having lived about 50km west of there for four years during two postings to Germany in the 1980’s/90s. My wife and I used to go to Dusseldorf for the summer fair and to visit the aquarium that is right next to the IG23 venue.

Why did you apply for the Games

I was in Orlando when the Invictus Games were on there and went to watch for a day, I realised Invictus might help with my injuries.

Invictus Experience

First Games

Being able to socialise and compete with other serving and ex-service competitors and being able to talk about our experiences with others that had dealt with adversity and not let it determine who they are.

Why did you apply for the Games

To be part of an all inclusive sporting competition where we are all just trying to better ourselves.

Invictus Experience

First Games

It’s really hard to say as there is so much that is unknown now, but engaging in some competitive events with the other countries sportspeople is something I think about.

Why did you apply for the Games

I have gone from one injury to the next in my attempts to rehab and get back to being fit again. Prior to posting to Burnham, I had a really good level of fitness and feel that I have been robbed of this. Due to my time spent in rehab, I have built a rapport with the Invictus head coach, Matt Reid. It was him who convinced me I should apply. I thought it over and figured ‘why not’, it would be great experience to have and give me some really good goal setting on my road to recovery.

Invictus Experience

First Games

Reaffirming to myself that I am still worthy and capable to compete at the international sporting level that Invictus Games provides while being able to share that with my whānau, the NZDF team and community.

Why did you apply for the Games

Following the Games in Toronto, I’d gone through a period of illness which affected my physical and mental health. Knowing what Invictus had helped me overcome previously, I decided to apply again to take back control of the life I want.

Invictus Experience

Second Games (first Toronto 2017)

The events and the whole experience of the Games. Meeting others who have been on the same journey and sharing all of this with my husband.

Why did you apply for the Games

A previous boss suggested I apply to assist with my rehabilitation and recovery, I’m so glad I did. I was aware of the affect my accident had on me physically as I could see and feel the wounds and injury, I could also see the physical progress I was making with the help of my physio. Mentally however I was struggling, I felt guilty due to the time I needed off work to recover, particularly because my colleagues had to pick up my workload. Eventually when I returned to work I could not perform at the same level I had previously, I was constantly distracted, tired and struggled to concentrate for other than short periods. Being with this group of amazing people, who have been through similar experiences, has shown me that what I have been through is quite normal and there was nothing wrong with me. Throughout this awesome experience I have learnt that recovery is a journey that is best shared.

Invictus Experience

First Games

Two things, firstly, meeting other wounded athletes from around the world. Secondly, seeing how I deal with being back in a military environment surrounded by reminders of my time working in a Role 3 in Kandahar. I imagine I will run into veterans who came through the hospital during my tour. This has the potential to be very confronting and triggering.

Why did you apply for the Games

After releasing from the NZDF in early 2022, I started to unpack my PTSD with the support of Veteran's Affairs. Up until then, I had downplayed the impact that this injury was having on me and more importantly, my family. As my journey is a mental one, the Invictus Games presents an opportunity to see where I am at, after my treatment so far.

Invictus Experience

First Games

Being an athlete again and feeling whole, being a part of an amazing team, and having my whānau support me. To enjoy and actively participate in the Invictus Games is an honour.  To see the adversity that people have overcome I know will be over whelming, but I think a life lesson for all those who attend.

Why did you apply for the Games

After managing both Army and NZDF Softball for many years due to being medically downgraded, I love that this opportunity is for me, to show myself what I can achieve and not just organise the activities for others to compete in.  Invictus and the rehabilitation through sport philosophy gives us the opportunity to be the best person we can be and I want to see what I’m capable of.

Invictus Experience

First Games

Meeting/competing against other athletes, and having fun.

Why did you apply for the Games

I saw some names of people I had not seen for many years and thought this is a great opportunity to rekindle long lost ties, have fun while training.

Invictus Experience

Second Games (first Sydney 2018)

Why did you apply for the Games

Invictus Experience

Pushing myself to achieve a personal best at the Games is one part of what I am looking forward to, well hoping for but also seeing my team mates progress on their journey’s and looking forwarding to seeing them achieve their goals for Invictus. I am also looking forward to meeting other service men and women from the other nations who like the NZ team have been brought together and share a unique bond that the Invictus family gives us all.

Why did you apply for the Games

I had a couple of friends that had gone to the Games before encourage me to put my application in, saying it would be really good for me.

Invictus Experience

First Games

I am looking forward to the whole Games experience, competing as an individual and with the team and watching and supporting my team mates.

Why did you apply for the Games

I was in the Burnham rehab room and saw the list of Invictus Games sports on the office wall. This sparked my interest and, after emailing Adaptive Sports, I put my name forward. I was incredibly lucky (or they thought I was incredibly broken) and was selected for the Dusseldorf team.

Invictus Experience

First Games

I am most looking forward to walking out at the opening ceremony of the Games as part of team New Zealand. I will be feeling proud, feeling like I belong, standings shoulder to shoulder with my friends (fellow competitors) and knowing that my family are here and those that are not will see me and be proud that I could contribute to such an amazing event.   

Why did you apply for the Games

My Bomb Disposal career came with many personal and family sacrifices. Being part of the team, and being part of an activity that seeks to promote mutual recognition, mental support, physical support, and general individual, family and group wellbeing means more to me than words can portray. I applied for a previous Games (Orlando 2016) and was accepted into the team but military commitments and surgery requirements meant I could not attend.

Invictus Experience

First Games

Meeting new people from other nations and sharing experiences.

Why did you apply for the Games

I applied for the Games after talking to a previous athlete, as I did not think my illness was qualifying enough to attend the Games. On talking to them I realised that it was and the benefits in using sports to aid in recovery, as I had not acknowledged to myself the impact my illness had on me.

Invictus Experience

First Games

Closing a chapter of my life that began on 28 March 2003 with the death of my friend in Iraq, and also to representing my country at this event.

Why did you apply for the Games

To see if the mantra of ‘Recovery through Sport’ would apply to me.

Invictus Experience

First Games

Representing the NZDF and being part of a wonderful team, competing in sports to heal ourselves and support each other whilst doing it. Also looking forward to the comradery of sporting alongside our allied nations.

Why did you apply for the Games

An ex-Air Force friend of mine mentioned that I now ‘qualified’ for the Invictus Games after hearing of my Illness. I guess I was looking for something positive to come out of it, and make the most of this second chance I have been given.

Invictus Experience

First Games

Looking forward to the Invictus environment and representing NZDF and New Zealand.

Why did you apply for the Games

Col James Kaio encouraged and supported me to use Adaptive Sports for Health, Well-Being and Recovery.

Invictus Experience

First Games

Actually getting there this time and seeing my new family succeed in their journeys.

Why did you apply for the Games

I was asked to apply by a previous Warrant Officer of the Navy and I'm so glad I did.

Invictus Experience

First Games

The challenge of being able to participate in the sports I have chosen. I feel honoured to be in the environment of the NZDF again and be part of the Invictus team.

Why did you apply for the Games

I do this for the young lads who died on Mt Ruapehu, aged 18 – 21, who I knew and tried to help, I was one of the survivors, I was their friend.

Invictus Experience

First Games

I am looking forward to the entire experience from training camps to the actual Games themselves. I’m enjoying meeting new friends and catching up with old friends too.

Why did you apply for the Games

I would like the opportunity to represent the NZDF and New Zealand.

Invictus Experience

First Games

Challenging myself, exploring new places and meeting new people also excited me.

Why did you apply for the Games

I realised I met the eligibility to apply, and not one to turn down an opportunity, thought I would give it a shot. I enjoy sport, and being competitive along with challenging myself.

Invictus Experience

First Games