Queensland’s Invictus Games athletes gathered at Parliament House today for an official ‘send-off’ before next month’s big sporting event, which is being held in Australia for the first time.
The Invictus Games was founded by Prince Harry in 2014 for wounded, sick and injured service personnel to demonstrate the power of sport to inspire recovery, rehabilitation, and demonstrate life beyond disability.
The Queensland team was hosted by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Sports Minister Mick de Brenni, who also announced state government funding to support the athletes.
"Queensland’s 31 athletes make up an incredible 43 per cent of the Australian team, and I couldn’t be prouder there’s such a strong contingent going from this great state," the Premier said.
"For the first time in the state’s history, we’re extending the Queensland Academy of Sport’s Bonus Grants scheme so each athlete is eligible for a $2,700 grant on top of the in-kind support already provided by QAS.
"This is the same grant our Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games athletes receive.
"Invictus means unconquered, which is what these athletes exemplify.
"They have already put their hand up for their country as servicemen and women, and they’ve all sustained illness or injury in the line of duty.
"It takes courage to enlist and serve in our Armed Forces, and it takes courage to return to civilian life and overcome illness and injury.
"I want to wish them the best of luck, but to overcome such adversity already means they’re already champions in my eyes."
Sports Minister Mick de Brenni said Queensland had a long and proud record when it comes to putting on the green and gold to represent Australia.
"Our Invictus Games athletes take that to the next level by pushing past those limitations and representing Australia in sports like archery, athletics, cycling, power lifting and wheelchair basketball and rugby," Mr de Brenni said.
"Our athletes have overcome immense obstacles to compete, and they have already proven they are unconquerable.
"As well as the grants, QAS has made its facilities available to Invictus athletes for training, along with specialist knowledge in performance health including sport and exercise psychology and nutrition, as well as strength and conditioning.
"We also ensured this specialist knowledge was extended to the north Queensland-based athletes, with a trip to Townsville coordinated by QAS and its expert network providers in August 2018.
"Team members also received opportunities to undertake benchmark testing and talent identification for Paralympic sports.
"All of Queensland will be cheering our athletes on to win, but the truth is no matter how they perform on the day, they are already undefeated."
The Invictus Games will be held in Sydney and begins on 20 October.
