Today I was pleased to host a special Welcome Home event for Tasmania’s Invictus Games athletes.
Held over 20-27th October, this year’s event saw more than 500 athletes from 18 nations competing over 11 adaptive sports.
The Games use the power of sport to aid in the recovery of returned servicemen and women and are testament to the strength of the human spirit.
At least eight Tasmanian born athletes took part in the Games, including Matt Brumby of Devonport and Jarrod Kent from Latrobe who both represented our State, and the nation, with distinction and courage.
Matt was co-captain of the Australian team, and won an impressive five gold medals at the Games, including in the Men’s IT4 100m, 200m, 400m, and 1500m.
Jarrod secured a personal best in Powerlifting with a lift of 121kg, and won through to the Long Jump finals, qualifying in first place.
Alongside Matt and Jarrod, it was privilege having family members of other Tasmanian-born Games athletes attend today’s event.
I congratulate all our Invictus Games athletes and thank them for their service and sacrifice.