Supporting our Mates in the Invictus Games

We are especially proud of our Mates who make up the team, including both 2022 Australian Co-Captains, Sergeant Shane Bramley and Corporal Sarah Petchell from our Townsville and Brisbane Family Recovery Centres, respectively.

In fact, around a third of the 2022 Australian team are Mates, inspiring our community and serving as role models for the wider current and ex-serving Defence Force.

At Mates4Mates, veterans and their families can find a way forward from service-related injuries through our range of services, including rehabilitation services designed to help them recover from physical injuries and improve wellbeing.

The Invictus Games embodies this spirit, using the power of sport to inspire recovery and rehabilitation for wounded, injured and ill servicemen and women.

“Engaging in sport can have a number of psychological and physical benefits. It can improve mood and self-confidence, as well as help develop resilience. Physically it can increase strength and mobility, which can reduce pain and help our general wellbeing. In a team environment like the Invictus Games, sport can also increase our sense of social connectedness and ability to develop positive relationships with others which can also increase feelings of psychological wellbeing,” explains Clare Mitchell, Mates4Mates National Clinical Manager.

Within our Mates4Mates centres across the country, we will be cheering on our Mates and the whole Australian team. You can find the complete list of names for Team Australia plus more information on the Invictus Australia website.

The positive impact on veterans

The aim of the Invictus Games over the years has also been to generate a wider understanding and respect for those who have served their country, with competitors highlighting how the Games have shone a light on the human spirit, giving them a “second chance” following their service to develop identities not defined by injury or illness.

As shared on the Invictus Australia website, Team Australia Co-Captain, Sergeant Shane Bramley commented on how the Games have had a positive impact on his own health and wellbeing:

“The Games have given me purpose, made me more physically active and more connected with people, and restored my identity. It’s also given me an opportunity to share those experiences with others.”

When reflecting on how local sports and activities have assisted in her ongoing recovery, health, and overall wellbeing, Co-Captain Corporal Sarah Petchell also shared the importance of community.

“It's important to be involved in your community, if it’s a gym or sporting club, going and seeing your friends at the gym can be the only reason you go and keep training and keep focused when times get tough.”

The Invictus Games will commence on Saturday, 16 April and will run through until Friday, 22 April.

Keep up to date with all of the 2022 Invictus Games coverage on ABC iview.

About the Invictus Games

The Invictus Games is an international sporting event for wounded, injured, and ill service personnel.

The Games promote the role of sports and physical activity for recovery, motivation, and rehabilitation for those who have been affected physically and mentally following traumatic events in the line of service.

Due to the pandemic, The Hauge Games were postponed from 2020 to 2021, and then again to 2022. This year will be the fifth edition of the Games, with Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex founding the Invictus Games in 2014.

Participants will compete in 10 sports, including:

• Athletics
• Weightlifting
• Hand archery
• Indoor rowing
• JLR Driving Challenge
• Wheelchair basketball
• Wheelchair rugby
• Cycling
• Sitting volleyball
• Swimming

To find out more, visit the Invictus Games website.