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Invictus Games Sydney 2018
Australia will field its largest team at this year ’ s Invictus Games in Sydney . The Invictus Games is an international , adaptive , multi-sports competition for current and former military personnel who have been wounded , injured or become ill during their military service .
Minister for Defence , Senator Marise Payne , said she was proud of each and every one of the 72-member Australian team ( pictured right ).
Minister for Defence Personnel , Darren Chester MP , said the Invictus Games use the power of sport to motivate recovery and generate a wider understanding of the sacrifices made by the men and women who serve their country .
Sydney will host 500 athletes from 18 nations competing in individual and team sports , including archery , athletics , indoor rowing , the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge , powerlifting , road cycling , sailing , sitting volleyball , swimming , wheelchair basketball and rugby .
Iconic Sydney venues being used for the Games include Sydney Olympic Park , Sydney Opera House , Sydney Harbour and The Domain .
“ I completed around 2000 parachute descents , which took a toll on my body , specifically my knees , to the point that a knee replacement was required ,” he said .
“ The knee replacement failed and , after three attempts , infection had set in and amputation was
Dave Connolly , above , and Sonya Newman in the pool , below . necessary . I am now an above-knee amputee .”
Dave said after his leg was amputated , he suffered depression , but felt fortunate to be selected for the first Invictus Games in London in 2014 .
“ Playing sport with other military and ex-military with the same – if not worse injuries than mine – rekindled my competitiveness ,” he said .
“ Training to excel at sport with a disability is hard and requires focus and commitment . This keeps my mind active and gives me a sense of achievement and purpose . After London , I returned to Australia and joined the local wheelchair basketball team .”
After competing in the Invictus Games in London in 2014 and then Orlando in 2016 , training became a part of Dave ’ s weekly routine .
“ It ’ s satisfying to strive for a goal ,” he said .
“ In the ADF ( Australian Defence Force ) you are part of a team and you always strive to better yourself . However , after discharge , all this dissipates and is amplified when faced with a disability . It is great to be able to compete with and against people who are at your level , with disabilities you can relate to .”
Dave said he feels privileged to be selected for a third Invictus Games .
“ Winning would be the pinnacle of all the hard training I have completed up to now ,” he said .
“ However , regardless of the result , I have already won by being eligible for the Games . It does not matter whether you win or lose , it is the spirit of how you play the game .” www . invictusgames2018 . org
26 people linkonline . com . au