SENATOR THE HON LINDA REYNOLDS CSC
Minister for Defence
Senator for Western Australia
THE HON DARREN CHESTER MP
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
INVICTUS GAMES THE HAGUE 2020 POSTPONED
The Invictus Games Foundation has announced that Invictus Games The Hague 2020, scheduled for 9-16 May, will not proceed as planned and will likely be postponed as a necessary response to coronavirus COVID-19.
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said Defence understands this is a difficult time for competitors and their families, but the health and wellbeing of the competitors must be Team Australia's highest priority.
"We are incredibly proud of the men and women in our Invictus team and we will work closely with the National Returned and Services League and Veteran Sport Australia to ensure they are supported," Minister Reynolds said.
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 Veterans' Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel the Hon Darren Chester MP said the training our Invictus athletes undertake helps them to overcome their physical and mental challenges and focus on what they can achieve post-injury.
"The competitors have trained hard to make Team Australia and will continue to be supported by coaching and medical crews as they prepare for future adaptive sports activities," Mr Chester said.
"These men and women, and their families have made many sacrifices for this country and while it may take longer than planned, I look forward to cheering on Team Australia with the rest of the nation once the Invictus games are rescheduled."
Defence is committed to working with the Invictus Games Foundation to support all future Games, and recognises the important role the Games play in the rehabilitation and recovery of our wounded, injured and ill serving and former serving personnel.
