March saw many veterans and family members across the country embracing sport and connecting with their local communities. 

Last weekend, we welcomed over 500 veterans and families and 40+ organisations to Tuggeranong Archery Club for the fourth annual ACT Defence Community Sport Expo. Through our national and local partnerships, we invited sports such as mountain biking, archery, pickleball and drone racing to take main stage, with many participants trying these sports for the first time and looking to sign up to clubs post-event. Collaboration underpins all we do, so it’s great to see the community engaged with organisations dedicated to supporting veterans and families.

We look forward to connecting with further communities later this year at future Expos - follow us on socials for where we'll be next!

Across the country, our team of Veteran Engagement Managers work to connect defence community members with local sport. See the impact of their programs this year to date below: 

After two successful runs at the Lifesaving World Championships (LWC) in Italy and Australia, we’re calling out for competitors to take part in the upcoming LWC scheduled to take place in Agadir, Morocco in September 2026.

To learn more about this opportunity, click below to express your interest.

STAYING CONNECTED WITH COMMUNITY THROUGH SPORT

Sport can be the thing that provides structure, consistency and an outlet for connection, especially for defence family who are often faced with change. This is the case for sport-loving defence family the Evans (left).

 Jodie, David and their children Brooke and Ashley have been attending the Invictus Australia Defence Community Sport Expo since its inception in 2022, using the event as a way to connect with their new community after David's role in the army saw them relocate to Canberra. 

CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITY BEYOND THE GAMES

For alumnus Craig Ball, the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 was an eye-opening experience, allowing him to rediscover his purpose and the importance of reintegration into his community post service.

However, the true impact of the Games was realising the value of staying engaged in sport long term. Read how he has stayed connected in his community beyond the Invictus Games. 

INSPIRED BY THEIR STORIES?

Want to engage with likeminded individuals in your local community? Click below to discover several opportunities around the nation to experience the connection and mental and physical benefits of sport.

Facilitated by our team of frontline staff, either veterans or family members themselves,  these events are a great way to get into sport in a supportive and friendly environment.

Pickleball is gaining popularity fast, it’s a welcoming and inclusive sport for all abilities. Learn how Invictus Australia, Lara RSL and Lara Sporting Club have collaborated to facilitate a weekly pickleball program for local veterans and families.