Wheelchair rugby to take on Australia's best

THE Australian Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Wheelchair Rugby Team will take on the nation’s best, when they take part in the National Championships at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre in Sydney.

Starting today, the team will battle it out on the court against state teams from Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales for three days of hard-hitting action.

Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester acknowledged the hard work the Invictus Games team had put in leading up to the Nationals.

“It’s been a real journey for the team as they have transformed themselves from a group of individuals into a tight-knit crew,” Mr Chester said.

“I have nothing but respect for what they have overcome to get to this point in their recovery.  I wish them all the best for the Nationals.”

Wheelchair Rugby Coach, Warrant Officer Andrew Bertoncin said that participating in the Nationals was an important part of the training regime for the upcoming Invictus Games.

“This is the first time we have been invited to participate in the Nationals and it represents a wonderful opportunity for us,” WO Bertoncin said.

“Noting how close it is to the Invictus Games, it gives us a real opportunity to play against seasoned competitors and to fine tune what we have been building towards over the last 12 months.”

The Wheelchair Rugby Team is part of the broader combined Australian Defence Force and Returned and Services League team of 72 competitors who have been wounded, injured or become ill during their military service. They will compete in a range of both individual and team sports at Invictus Games Sydney 2018 to be held from 20-27 October.

More information about the Games can be found at www.invictusgames2018.org/ 

Imagery will be available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20183123.