ADF members, veterans will head to Warrior Games in Florida

The 2024 Warrior Games will be held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney Orlando. Photo: US DoD.

Thirty Australian Defence Force members and veterans – including six from the ACT, Illawarra and southeastern NSW region – will head to Orlando, Florida, in June to represent Australia at the 14th annual Warrior Games.

The Warrior Games is specifically dedicated to supporting the rehabilitation and recovery of veterans who have been wounded, injured or become ill during or as a result of their military service. The attendance of the Team Australia representatives is supported by Invictus Australia and the ADF.

The games feature adaptive sports designed to highlight the athletic talents of wounded participants, including archery, cycling, sitting volleyball, swimming, track, field, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, shooting, indoor rowing and powerlifting.

Minister for Defence Personnel and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said each member of Team Australia had their own story of triumph over adversity.

“Team Australia embodies the values of courage, resilience and mateship, and participation in the Warrior Games not only highlights their athletic talents but also underscores our unwavering commitment to their resilience, rehabilitation and recovery,” he said.

“Through adaptive sports, camaraderie and mutual support, the United States-led Warrior Games serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all those who have faced adversity in the course of their service to the nation.

“I commend the warriors of Team Australia, and I wish them the best of luck as they represent Australia on the international stage.”

Georgia Murrell. Photo: ADF.

Sue Osborn. Photo: ADF.

Benjamin Owens. Photo: ADF.

Captain Doug Griffiths. Photo: ADF.

Erin Brigden. Photo: ADF.

Lieutenant Kirby Watts. Photo: ADF.

The games from 21 to 30 June 2024 will be staged at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando.

Representatives from the ACT, Illawarra and southeastern NSW are Army veterans Erin Brigden and Sue Osborn from Shellharbour, Navy Captain Doug Griffiths from Canberra, Navy veteran Georgia Murrell from Goulburn, Army veteran Benjamin Owens from Albion Park Rail, and Navy Lieutenant Kirby Watts from Narooma.