Wounded Warriors to set a course for healing in Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

• NEWS
• 05 Dec, 2017 04:15:00 PM

Wounded Warriors to set a course for healing in Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

Invictus Games Sydney 2018 will set sail in the fleet for the 2017 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. An Australian crew will steer a course for Hobart aboard Invictus Games Sydney 2018 DOWN UNDER with a UK Crew aboard Invictus Games Sydney 2018 GAME ON in what’s tipped to be an ‘Ashes on the Water’.

Two-time America's Cup champion and Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Ambassador James Spithill was
on hand for today’s announcement at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Sydney where the
Australian yacht was unveiled.

“Committing to take part in this iconic race is testament to the unconquerable spirit of the Invictus
Games community,” said Spithill. “For those selected, this race will form part of their rehabilitation, as
they use the healing power of sport to move forward in their recovery.

“I’m sure the ‘down under’ spirit of mateship will shine throughout this race in a celebration of
achievement and determination, which is what the Invictus Games are all about.”

Today’s announcement builds on the excitement for Invictus Games Sydney 2018, presented by
Jaguar Land Rover.

The Invictus Games is an international multi-sport event for active duty and veteran servicemen and
women. The Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a
wider understanding and respect for wounded, injured and ill servicemen and women. They also
recognise the significant contribution of family and friends in the recovery process.

The fourth Invictus Games will be held ‘down under’ where sailing will debut on the competition
schedule. A veterans sailing program has been established by Soldier On and the Royal Prince Alfred
Yacht Club to recruit an Australian crew for the Sydney Games and provide nationwide long term
opportunities for veterans to get active and stay connected within their community.

Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Chief Operating Officer, Ben Rahilly is urging all Australians to get
behind the Games; "Taking part in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is an exciting platform to showcase the healing power of sport as we build towards the Games in October 2018,” said Rahilly. “Sailing is a fantastic
team sport creating amazing camaraderie both on and off the water creating the opportunity for
veterans to be active and to connect.

“We hope all Australians will take this opportunity to cheer on our wounded warriors as they take on
this iconic blue water classic,” said Rahilly.

The UK Crew, who have received funding support from UK not-for-profit Help for Heroes and private
donors, is due to arrive in Sydney on 11 December.

“At Help for Heroes we want to empower our veterans to regain their purpose despite life changing
injuries or illnesses so we were delighted to be able to support this initiative,” said Martin Colclough,
Head of Sports Recovery at Help for Heroes.

“We are driven by the belief that those who put their lives on the line for us deserve a second chance
at life and taking part in an event such as the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will enable our
veterans to find a new direction to focus on whilst inspiring the nation.”

The full crews will be announced in the coming days. Follow their journey on the Invictus Games
Sydney 2018 website at: www.invictusgames2018.org.