Thirty current and former-serving ADF personnel have been selected to compete at the 14th Warrior Games in Florida, US, in June.
The US Department of Defense hosts the Warrior Games, which is an international adaptive sport competition for current and former military personnel who have become wounded, injured or ill during, or as a result of, their military service.
The competitors will participate in adaptive sporting events such as archery, cycling, sitting volleyball, swimming, track, field, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, shooting, indoor rowing and powerlifting.
Retired Navy sailor Luke McCallum is looking forward to being with people who have a shared lived experience.
“I want to be with people who want to conquer those same fears I had, who want to show that, like me, they were not defined by the injuries that brought us together,” he said.
Mr McCallum is competing in athletics, indoor rowing, powerlifting, shooting and sitting volleyball.
Retired Air Force logistics officer Diane Jackson is competing in athletics, cycling, powerlifting and indoor rowing.
“Sport is an important component of my physical and mental health. Being a member of a team competing in adaptive sports will be a truly amazing experience,” Ms Jackson said.
Former Army medic Damien Batty finds strength in being part of a team.
“Teamwork connects me with the community. It improves my mental and physical health and motivates me to focus on what I can do, not what I no longer can do,” he said.
Mr Batty will be competing in archery, sitting volleyball, swimming and wheelchair rugby during the games.
The enduring power of sport provides hope and inspiration to those who can challenge themselves and their peers in a supportive environment.
Defence is committed to supporting its people over their life course so they can serve well, live well and age well.
Participation in the Warrior Games is part of the ADF Adaptive Sports Program.
