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Two co-captains have been appointed to lead Team Australia at the upcoming Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023.
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Flight Sergeant Nathan King and Able Seaman Taryn Dickens have been selected to lead Team Australia as co-captains at the upcoming Invictus Games.
Run between 9-–16 September, 31 current and former military personnel will compete across athletics, indoor rowing, powerlifting, road cycling, sitting volleyball, table tennis, swimming, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair rugby against 21 other nations.
The Australian athletes will be supported by 90 family and friends in Düsseldorf.
Düsseldorf will mark the second Invictus Games for FSGT King, an aircraft technician who was injured and in intensive care for six weeks following a sporting injury.
“Being able to lead such an incredible group of people is truly an honour and I am grateful to have been considered for the role,” he said.
Weapons rate electronics technician AB Dickens told Defence that she was surprised to learn of her announcement as captain.
“I didn’t think I would be nominated with so many other deserving people on the team. I am very grateful to have been selected,” she said.
Brigadier Phil Winter, chef de mission of Team Australia, congratulated the pair.
“I commend Flight Sergeant King and Able Seaman Dickens on their selection as team captains,” BRIG Winter said.
“They, and their teammates, represent the epitome of resilience and the Australian spirit.”
“The Invictus Games are an opportunity for Australia to celebrate determination, mateship, and honour with others from around the world who have also shown resilience in times of adversity.”
Invictus is a multi-sports competition representing current and former military service personnel who have been injured or ill during their service and will have representatives from across 22 nations.
Invictus Australia was launched in 2021, from the previous Veteran Sport Australia.
In April, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel Matt Keogh congratulated those selected for the Invictus Australia team.
“On behalf of all of us sport-loving Australians, I wholeheartedly congratulate all the incredible members of Team Australia, who will not only represent our country at this year's games, they will represent all those who have served our nation in our ADF,” Minister Keogh said.
“I commend Invictus Australia on their mission to adapt to the ever-changing needs of Australian veterans and families and the powerful role sport can play in strengthening wellbeing, supporting transition, recovery, and rehabilitation.”
“Sport is a fantastic tool to support veterans as they transition from military service, not only to maintain physical fitness and social connection, but as a proactive and preventative measure to build mental resilience too.”
“I would like to acknowledge the families and friends of our team members for their support through their rehabilitation journey.”
