Premier Gladys Berejiklian has officially welcomed the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 competitors, support staff, family and friends at a private welcome event at Sydney’s Luna Park.
The event was an opportunity for everyone to come together as a community and celebrate the spirit of the Games ahead of the official opening on Saturday. The Invictus Games Sydney 2018 flag was flown from the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Ms Berejiklian said the Invictus Games is one of the most significant events to be staged in NSW. The Games, running for eight days, will bring together more than 500 active and veteran service personnel from 18 nations to compete in 11 disciplines.
"The Invictus Games celebrates the healing power of sport and the fighting spirit of our wounded, injured or ill servicemen and women. We are so proud to welcome all competitors to our great city," Ms Berejiklian said.
"Sydney is Australia’s home of major events and there is no better place in the world to showcase the wonderful talents of the Invictus Games competitors.
"The Invictus Games also recognises the major contribution made by the close supporters of wounded or injured veterans, and serving defence personnel, and today we welcome more than 1000 relatives and friends of the competitors. You play an integral part in the Games."
The NSW Government is a proud supporter of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 and the long-term initiatives and legacies that the Games will bring to NSW.
The Invictus Games will be a celebration of achievement and determination, providing a lasting legacy in areas such as education, health, employment and sport.
Minister for Veterans Affairs David Elliott said the Invictus Games Education Program is an initiative of the NSW Government where public school students will learn about military service, veterans’ health, resilience and what it means to live with a disability.
"This is a fantastic chance for students across the entire State to feel part of Invictus Games and learn about the nature of service in our community and the healing power of sport," Mr Elliott said.
