Team Australia reveals uniform for Invictus Games
A message from Invictus Australia
Team Australia has taken an important step towards next month's Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany, by unveiling their official team uniform. The reveal showcased multiple pieces to be worn at the global adaptive sporting event taking place this 9 – 16 September.
The event took place at the final training camp at the Academy of Sport & Recreation in Narrabeen, Sydney, where competitors had the chance to come together, fine-tune skills, bond as a team and plan for the future, post-Games.
The Team Australia uniform encompasses both the ceremonial tracksuit and the competition wear, tailored for the 10 adaptive sports. The design represents the nation's identity and the indomitable spirit of the wounded, injured and ill veterans who comprise Team Australia.
The uniform pieces were modelled by Sport Captains including Commander Ryan Kelly (archery), Ainsley Hooker (athletics), Brad Mazzaferri (cycling), Shaun Hillman (indoor rowing), Erin Brigden (powerlifting), Francine Dudfield (Sitting Volleyball), Karl Woodward (swimming), Stephen Lockwood (table tennis), and Lenny Redrose (wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby). The team showcased not just the attire but the unity and determination that define Team Australia.
The competition gear is designed to optimise performance, providing the competitors with comfort and functionality to excel in their respective events. The fabric used is lightweight and breathable, ensuring that competitors can perform at their best, while looking their best.
According to competitor Shaun Hillman: ‘It feels amazing. I'm excited to try on the other pieces of kit but I reckon it will help out a lot. Being comfy while on the rower will be one of the biggest things, and not being restricted across the shoulders.’
The uniform reveal was a powerful moment of unity and inspiration, setting the stage for Team Australia to shine at the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 and demonstrate the strength and pride of the Aussie spirit.
According to competitor Francine Dudfield: ‘The team have come together well. Everyone is supportive, everyone's great mates, people are catching up outside of team camps and we're all connecting through social media so it's just been a really lovely experience getting to know people and the team have come together really well.’
The Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 scheduled from September 9 to 16, will bring together 500 competitors from 22 nations to compete in 10 individual and team adaptive sporting events. Team Australia, comprising 31 serving and former serving ADF personnel, along with over 80 of their family and friends, are set to make their mark on the world stage.
Supported by Invictus Australia and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), Team Australia is ready to embody the true spirit of the Invictus Games – a celebration of courage, resilience and determination.
DVA is a major supporter of Invictus Australia, which in turn supports the team and local sporting activities for the almost 600,000 veterans and families around Australia.
You can watch a short overview of the final training camp here.
Below: Commander Ryan Kelly and Francine Dudfield of Team Australia
