Wounded warriors achievements celebrated at Invictus Games closing ceremony

The achievements of over 550 wounded warriors were celebrated last night at the closing ceremony of the 2017 Invictus Games.

The ceremony celebrated the spirit of this year’s games and provided a fitting end to the international adaptive sports competition for wounded, injured and ill serving and former military personnel from 17 nations.

The Air Canada Centre once again played host to a raft of powerhouse musical performances, world dignitaries and stories of inspiration as the games were passed to Sydney—the hosts of the 2018 Invictus Games.

Sergeant Peter Rudland, Co-Captain of the Australian team, received the official Invictus Games flag alongside Co-Captain Captain Emma Kadziolka as part of the official handover.

Sergeant Rudland said he could not describe how proud he was to be out there alongside Emma to receive the official flag for Australia.

“I feel so privileged, seeing how far everyone has come has been the highlight for me, that’s what the Invictus Games are all about,” Sergeant Rudland said.

“Everyone got out there during the games, tried their absolute hardest and so many have achieved personal bests in their sports.”

The combined Australian Defence Force and Returned and Services League team of 43 were joined at the closing ceremony by thousands of friends, family and fans from all over the world to celebrate the drive of the Invictus Games athletes.

During the Invictus Games athletes participated in both individual and team sports including swimming, archery, cycling, track and field, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis, powerlifting, indoor rowing and golf.

More information about the 2017 Australian team and images are available at:  www.defence.gov.au/events/invictusgames