There was plenty of smiles as the sun shone in Sydney on Sunday, for the first full day of competition at the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 presented by Jaguar Land Rover. Many sections of the community came together to attend the free events at the Royal Botanic Garden and Sydney Harbour, for the road cycling and sailing events.
Invictus Games Sydney 2018 founding partner Legacy hosted a large picnic for members and beneficiaries near Farm Cove, overlooking the sailing competition with a picturesque view of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Legacy is a charity which provides services to Australian families suffering after the injury or death of a spouse or parent, during or after their defence force service. Carol Carrington was a recipient of their services as a child after her father passed at age 39 in 1960, leaving behind five children under the age of ten.
“Legacy was amazing,” she said. “They provided everything, from stationery for school, to finding a dentist, gymnastics, weekend holidays, even hosting amazing Christmas parties. They made sure we had jobs when we left school and gave us so many opportunities.”
Over on Mrs Macquarie’s Road, the cycling event was in full swing. Spectators, family and friends were there to cheer on the competitors in a flurry of colour.
Tim Laird, a Sydney local, came down to see what the Invictus buzz was all about.
“I work down the road and often train here myself, and it’s a great day in Sydney, so I thought I’d come down to support all the competitors, especially because they’ve gone through much tougher things than I have.
“I really like the idea of not being defeated by stuff when life’s tough and to keep on going, even when you’re down. It’s impressive and inspiring.”
Lachie O’Brien is down from Melbourne and cheering loudly on the sidelines to support one of his best mates, Matt Brumby, a competitor in today’s event and the co-captain of the Australian Team.
“The Invictus Games is quite amazing in how it really shows what people with disabilities can do. It’s more than just about winning, it’s about the community. It’s amazing seeing people from different countries competing against each other, struggling, but next to each other, pushing each other and working with each other – you never really see that in professional racing.”
Legacy were present throughout the duration of Invictus Games Sydney 2018. There was a marching band, supported by Legacy, during the road cycling events and Legacy also had a presence everyday at Sydney Olympic Park with their information stall and volunteers helping answer questions for spectators in the park.
Daniela Mattschoss
Invictus Games Sydney 2018