May 13th, 2018

INVICTUS GAMES

It’s Game on Down Under!  In October 2018 Sydney will be host to the 4th Annual Invictus Games Sydney, welcoming over 500 competitors and over 1000 of their family and friends from 18 Nations across the globe, showcasing the healing power of sport and the resilience of the human spirit. 

The event is presented by Jaguar Land Rover who have been involved since its inception in London in 2014.   The competitors will compete in 11 sports in Sydney during the 2018 Invictus Games dates of 20 – 27 October 2018.  The events will be staged across Greater Sydney, including Sydney Olympic Park, on and around the Sydney Harbour, with the Opening Ceremony being held at the Sydney Opera House.

In choosing the venue for 2018, Prince Harry, Founder and Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, had three key criteria.  First, it had to be an iconic city – somewhere known the world over.  Second, it needed to be a city with a proud military heritage, which would welcome competitors from all over the world with open arms.  And finally, it had to be somewhere where the people are absolutely sports mad and would really get behind the competitors.  Prince Harry commented “It was an easy decision really.” You can watch the announcement HERE.
 
The Invictus Games participating allied nations include; Afghanistan, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, United Kingdom and the USA.
 
Nations have started to announce their teams for the games with Denmark, New Zealand and USA among the first to reveal the competitors who will make the trip ‘Down Under’.
 
ABOUT THE INVICTUS GAMES

Named after Invictus, Latin for “unconquered” or “undefeated”, the Invictus Games is an international adaptive multi-sport event, in which wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel and their associated veterans take part in sports including wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, and indoor rowing.  Founded by Invictus Games Patron Prince Harry, the Games harness the power of sport to inspire and support the rehabilitation and recovery of injured or sick armed services personal and create a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their countries.

The first Invictus Games took place in September 2014 at the Queen Olympic Park in London, United Kingdom with 14 Nations attending and crowds of over 65,000 people packing out the venue.  With the exception of 2015, the successful event has been held annually ever since with the number of Nations participating increasing to 18 in 2018.    In 2016 the event was hosted at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida. In 2017 the games were held at multiple venues in Toronto, Canada and it was at this event that they introduced the first-ever Invictus Games relay.

The Invictus Games provides an opportunity for long-term impact on the defence community by supporting programs and services across various sectors to encourage greater collaboration and co-operation amongst veteran and serving community.
 
MAKE YOUR MARK

At the closing ceremony of Invictus Games Toronto 2017, Prince Harry challenged us all to do something to effect change in our lives or make a difference in our communities.  Prince Harry said; “Let the examples of service and resilience you have seen, inspire you to take action to improve something – big or small – in your life, for your family, or in your community.” 
In answer to this call to action the Sydney 2018 launched a “Make Your Mark Down Under’ campaign.  Make Your Mark is an opportunity for everyone to get involved in the Invictus Games Sydney 2018, no matter where you are.  You can show your support for our wounded warriors through sharing your moment with the Games community via #MakeYourMarkDownUnder and including #IG2018.

WHERE TO STAY

If you are looking at where to stay in Sydney, for easy access to some of the best vantage points to the Invictus Games 2018 and only a short ferry ride across to the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour, then the historic Q Station, a hidden gem located at North Head on the shores of Sydney Harbour in Manly, Australia is an incredible option.   Surrounded by native Australian bush lands with stunning views over the Sydney Harbour and access to easy nature walks, Whale watching, Australian Wildlife, historic tours and some of Australia’s best beaches, you can feel removed from the hustle and bustle during the Invictus Games, yet close enough to all the action.   Find availability now.
Bringing the family?  We’ve helped you out with a jam packed 72 Hour Itinerary guaranteed to keep the entire family engaged, returning home more knowledgeable about the Australian History and Heritage.