Biographies
Meet the Team
Team Canada is made up of 90 athletes who acquired a physical or mental health injury or illness, while in service. The team includes serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, representing all three environmental commands (the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air force), and veterans. The athletes were chosen for the benefits they will experience while preparing for and competing in the Games, as well as for their skill level in their chosen sports. They have overcome tremendous odds and have now taken up the challenge to compete in an international adaptive sporting event. Some are seasoned, having competed at Invictus Games 2016 or other sports events like International Military Sports Council (CISM). Some are new to their Invictus sports.
Meet the athletes competing on Team Canada in the 2017 Invictus Games. Biographies are organized in alphabetical order by first name.
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Adam Jones
Gunner Adam Jones is dedicating his performance at the Invictus Games to his medical team and other injured veterans. “The Invictus Games for me are a show of gratitude for the work my medical team has invested in me during the last three years,” says Jones who is with The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery. He recently represented his family and his ancestor Jeremiah Jones at the Vimy Ridge 100th Anniversary Commemoration. The Ottawa, Ontario resident is training in the sports of indoor rowing and track and field.
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Adrienne Stickley
Sergeant Adrienne Stickley is a Financial Services Administrator with the Royal Canadian Air Force. In addition to her current posting with the Lorne Scots, Adrienne regularly sings the Canadian National Anthem at events. “It is a great honour to do so, and I absolutely love to do it.” The Borden, Ontario, resident is training in swimming, athletics and sitting volleyball.
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Al McFarlane
Sergeant (Retired) Al McFarlane says Invictus Games 2017 will “give the public the opportunity to see what we, the military, do to stay active.” The former Aviation Technician in the Royal Canadian Air Force from Barrie, Ontario, is training in rowing and archery.
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Andre Gagnon
Sergeant (Retired) Andre Gagnon keeps it short, sweet and Latin when it comes to his favourite quote. “‘Carpe Diem.’ Because if you're living in the past or future you're missing the present and all that it has to offer.” The former Air Weapons Systems Technician with the Royal Canadian Air Force lives in Jonquière, Québec, and is training in archery, rowing and sitting volleyball.
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Aaron Victory
Master Corporal (Retired) Arron Victory listens to “anything loud” while he prepares for Invictus Games 2017. The resident of Oromocto, New Brunswick, is training is swimming.
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Bettina Fuchs
Retired Master Corporal Bettina Fuchs served with the Royal Canadian Airforce as a Mobile Support Equipment operator. She doesn’t have to look far for inspiration as she prepares for Invictus Games 2017. “My Mom has been my biggest inspiration, she has taught me how to be strong and believe in myself. She is absolutely my biggest hero.” Currently living in Peachland, British Columbia, she trains in rowing and archery.
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Blaise Lapointe
Major Blaise Lapointe, a Royal Canadian Engineer, might have the largest contingency of fans as he prepares for Invictus Games 2017, including his wife and seven children. The Cantley, Quebec, resident is currently training in track and field, cycling and wheelchair basketball. “Soldier On and Invictus Games change the way we look at the injury; it is no longer so much a bad thing as a challenge.”
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Brenda McPeak
Sergeant Brenda McPeak is still in active duty, she says, because of Soldier On, the program behind the Canadian Invictus team. “It has been there for me from the start. The organization has gotten me back into sport and shown me my true potential. I've tried many new things that I never, ever imagined trying before.” A resident of Petawawa, Ontario, she is training in track and field, rowing and sitting volleyball.
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Brian Clarke
Petty Officer 2nd Class (Retired) Brian Clarke is a master of both the sea and the air and he is now taking on swimming he prepares for Invictus Games 2017. The retired Royal Canadian Navy Clearance Diver from Victoria, British Columbia, also has a pilot’s license.
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Bruce Matthews
Bruce Matthews finds that being a member of Team Canada – Invictus Games 2017 brings new focus to his life. “The Invictus Games has given me a purpose to my day. My daily routine now encompasses more training, healthier eating and a more focused and positive mindset. I have already connected with many peers who I can relate to and who can understand my daily struggles.” The retired Corporal with the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force lives in Innisfil, Ontario, and is training in the sports of powerlifting, rowing and athletics.
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Caroline Cauvin
Once a committed runner, Sergeant Caroline Cauvin is taking on the challenge of two new sports, rowing and sitting volleyball, for Invictus Games 2017. The Ottawa resident credits her current Invictus Games 2017 training regime for the return of her “joie de vivre.”
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Carson MacIsaac
Inverness, Nova Scotia, native MCpl (Retired) Carson MacIsaac is using Soldier On and the Invictus Games 2017 as motivation to “accept the way things are and move forward.” The retired Canadian Army Combat Engineer is currently training in golf, and track and field.
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Cheryl Bush
Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Cheryl Bush, a committed sportswoman who motivates others to exercise, also carries a second title of Dame in the Order of Saint George for her work on behalf of veterans. The Carp, Ontario resident is training in cycling, swimming.
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Christopher Klodt
Corporal (Retired) Christopher Klodt’s Invictus Games 2017 experience will bring him social and physical advantages.. “I am most looking forward to getting together with my team mates after rugby practice.” The former Infantry soldier with the Canadian Army lives in Hamilton, Ontario and is also training in track and field.
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Dale Robillard
After a career of helping people survive disaster, Dale Robillard, a retired Master Warrant Officer with the Canadian Armed Forces Search and Rescue team, is proud to be part of Canada's Team at the 2017 Invictus Games. "I'm humbled and honoured to represent both the Invictus Games and Soldier On, as these organizations have literally saved my life.” The Comox Valley, British Columbia, resident is competing in golf, a sport he thought injuries took away from him forever when he was injured more than 10 years ago.
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Daniel Graham
Sergeant (Retired) Daniel Graham finds his zone on the golf course. “Golf is the one sport that allows me to feel calm. I never really played growing up but now it’s the only place where I don’t think about anything else in my life. When I’m out on the course my head is quiet and I can relax.” The Deep River, Ontario, resident is also currently training in track and field.
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Dave Desjardins
Canadian icon Rick Hansen is Master Corporal (Retired) Dave Desjardins’ inspiration for his work on “breaking down barriers for persons with disabilities.” The resident of Wendover, Ontario, is training for the sports of track and field and wheelchair basketball.
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Denise Hepburn
Veteran Denise Hepburn will be cheered on by her whole family as she competes at Invictus Games 2017, but it is her husband who inspires her. “He is the kindest most supportive person I have ever known. He is my emotional rock. He balances so many balls at once and makes it look effortless...never complains when he has more on his plate because of me, and I love him with my whole heart and soul!” The retired Medical Technician lives in Trenton, Ontario and is training in swimming, track and field and sitting volleyball.
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Dwayne Thorpe
A retired Combat Engineer, Dwayne Thorpe is participating in Invictus Games and Soldier On as a way to challenge himself back to being healthy and active. “I am hoping to do the best I can to achieve my goals for the Games, or surpass them. That way I can create new and bigger goals and push myself a little more.” The Geary, New Brunswick resident is currently training in powerlifting and rowing.
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Elizabeth Newman
When someone says, “Invictus Games,” Veteran Elizabeth Newman responds with “Game on!” The Sooke, British Columbia, resident is a former Medical Technician with the Canadian Army who now works as a special effects makeup artist for film and television. “From body painting to prosthetics for monsters,” explains Newman who is training in the sports of archery.
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Elizabeth Steeves
Corporal (Retired) Elizabeth Steeves has an extra goal for Invictus Games 2017. The Sooke, British Columbia resident who is training in powerlifting, indoor rowing and sitting volleyball, is hoping to have a royal brush of the shoulders. “I want to meet Prince Harry for my 91-year-old grandma!”
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Étienne Aubé
Master Corporal (Retired) Étienne Aubé is an exemplary success of the Soldier On program. Not only does he credit the program for giving him back his confidence and motivation, but Soldier On reflects his favorite quote: ''The only limits that we have are those we impose upon ourselves''. When he is not playing with his puppy or reading, the retired Combat Engineer is training in the Valcartier, Quebec area to compete on Team Canada’s golf team at the Invictus Games.
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Gaétan Lortie
Gaétan Lortie served his country proudly for 37 years as a “Van Doo” (member of the Royal 22nd Regiment) and in the Logistics branch, both at home and on foreign deployments (such as that in Kuwait). Now retired and living in Ottawa, he has the injuries to prove it, too: two reconstructed knees and a permanent foot injury, to be precise. After many years of surgeries and rehabilitation, however, Gaétan is ready to recover his pride and sense of self at the 2017 Invictus Games as part of the swimming and sitting volleyball competitions.
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Geoff De Melo
Officer Cadet Geoff De Melo looks to Australian triathlete Mirinda Carfrae for athletic inspiration. “She started accomplishing such amazing things in her late 20s showing that it is never too late to succeed at your dreams, it just takes commitment, determination and an unyielding spirit.” The resident of Ottawa is currently training in cycling and swimming.
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Gorden Boivin
Corporal (Retired) Gorden Boivin, an Infantry veteran of four operational tours from Quebec City, is thankful of the opportunity that the Invictus Games provides him: to represent his country to the world another time. When he is not practicing his rowing, Gorden likes to dance and volunteer at seniors’ residences and treatment centres.
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Harry Reddin
Retired Firefighter and Clearance Diver Harry Reddin can see the parallels between his career and his sports competitions. “‘The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war’ translates to sport as well,” says the retired Corporal. After competing at Invictus Games 2016 in Orlando, Florida, the Comox, British Columbia native is looking forward to racing once again. He is training in cycling and swimming.
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Hélène Le Scelleur
Hélène Le Scelleur of Val-des-Monts in Quebec has been around high-profile VIPs before: she was once Aide-de-camp to the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, the former Governor-General of Canada! When she’s not being inspired by her boys Dave and Mavrick, the retired Canadian Army Captain is skiing and driving motocross on top of her track and field, wheelchair rugby and rowing training.
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Isabelle Boutin
Master Corporal (Retired) Isabelle Boutin, a former RMS Clerk of the RCAF from Quebec City, knows that sports saved her life. More specifically, she feels that sports allowed her to escape and adapt to her new limits as she initially suffered in work, in health, and in establishing new perspectives.
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Isabelle Rouleau
Corporal (Retired) Isabelle Rouleau has dreamed of participating in an international sports event for much of her life. “When I left the Forces I practically stopped all of my physical activities because of my pain. The Invictus Games are a great motivation for me to become more active. They are a dream come true.” The Quebec City native is training in cycling.
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Jackie Buttnor
When she is not singing with the Sweet Adelines, a barbershop singing chorus of women, Veteran Jackie Buttnor, is training in powerlifting, rowing and wheelchair rugby. The retired Medical Technician with the Canadian Army is finding Invictus Games 2017 to be personally inspiring. “I am just going for it. It’s much more rewarding than sitting life out.”
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Japheth Regalado
Corporal Japheth Regalado believes that “every second counts in life and what we do with our time can make a difference, small or great, in your own and others’ lives.” The Medical Technician with the Canadian Army lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and is training in rowing and wheelchair rugby.
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Jason Israel
Inspired by his two-year-old son who is healthy and strong despite being born at one pound, Master Corporal Jason Israel is training in track and field, and rowing. He is looking forward to seeing his wife and three children when he crosses the finish line at Invictus Games 2017. The Infantry soldier with the Canadian Army lives in Oromocto, New Brunswick.
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Jason Maves
Private (Retired) Jason Maves is looking forward to a large cheering section at Invictus Games 2017. “Many friends and family members want to come and are bugging me for ticket details. About six friends and 12 family members will be hooting from the stands.” However, three of those fans hold a special place in Maves’ heart. ”I just want to see my boys’ and wife Becky’s eyes when they see how far I have come,” he says. From Welland, Ontario, the retired Army Engineer is training in track and field, and wheelchair rugby.
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Jason Pulver
Corporal (Retired) Jason Pulver looks to his father as an example and an inspiration. “My father is my greatest inspiration as he has shown me through his actions what it means to be a good man, father and husband.” The Niagara Falls, Ontario, resident is training in track and field, and wheelchair basketball.
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Jayson Nickol
Corporal (Retired) Jayson Nickol is carrying on a family tradition as he trains in golf for Invictus Games 2017. “My grandfather worked hard his whole life and he was a great golfer.” From Winnipeg, Manitoba, Nickol was an Infantry soldier with the Canadian Army.
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Jean-Claude Migneault
For Warrant Officer (Retired) Jean-Claude Migneault, golf is more than a sport. “It gets me interacting with people when normally I would rather not. It also helps me get motivated to be healthy and physically fit. I honestly don’t know if I would be on the road to recovery without the help of Soldier On.” Introduced to golf through Soldier On, the Kingston, Ontario, resident is also training in the sport of rowing.
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Jean-Philippe Plamondon
Private (Retired) Jean-Philippe Plamondon has, and continues to overcome, a lot since two strokes in a matter of days left him immobile except for a single eyelid, incapable of eating or speaking and with no short-term memory. Through determination and hard work, however, the retired private has regained mobility in half his body and, with the help of adaptive equipment and ever-supportive parents, his ability to train and participate in sport. With his steadfast training partner from recruit school, Cpl Cyr, by his side, Jean-Philippe will compete for Team Canada in the cycling competition.
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Jennifer Alexander
Private (Retired) Jennifer Alexander, from Kelowna, British Columbia, is training in powerlifting, swimming and wheelchair rugby. The retired Mobile Support Equipment Operator is looking forward to the international aspect of Invictus Games 2017 and “getting to meet other people from other countries.”
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Jérémy Meyer
Sergeant Jérémy Meyer of Lac-Brome in Québec is excited for an Invictus Games because it is a “huge source of motivation” to train hard physically and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Training in track and field and cycling Sgt Meyer is an outdoors enthusiast and is often hiking or climbing when he isn’t practicing his chosen disciplines.
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Jessica Garneau
Corporal (Retired) Jessica Garneau of Gatineau, a former Royal Canadian Air Force Resource Management Support Clerk, is described by friends and family as perseverance personified. Training in cycling and track and field for the Invictus Games gives the Gatineau, Quebec resident “the motivation to lace up my shoes every morning.”
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Jessica Miller
Sergeant Jessica Miller is revisiting her love of sports as a result of joining Team Canada headed to Invictus Games 2017. “I've always enjoyed sport and competition. The Games have ignited a fire inside me I forgot I had,” explains the Medical Technician with the Canadian Army. The Upper Tantallon, Nova Scotia, resident is training in track and field.
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Joel Guindon
Canadian Army Corporal (Retired) Joel Guindon has a message for his fellow teammates and competitors at Invictus Games 2017. “You are not broken; you are simply injured. Find your resilience. Keep moving forward no matter how big the steps are that you need to take. You aren't alone.” The native of Gatineau, Quebec, will be competing in his second Games and is hoping to come home with another medal in archery.
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Joe Rustenburg
Corporal (Retired) Joe Rustenburg’s music choices are simple when it comes to training in powerlifting, track and field, and wheelchair basketball for Invictus Games 2017. “The heavier the better.” The veteran Infantry soldier who followed his grandfather into service is from Warman, Saskatchewan.
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Julie Marcotte
Soldier On has helped Corporal (Retired) Julie Marcotte in her return to everyday living. “I didn't think that sports would help me, but I noticed that when I have a goal to achieve, like riding a bike with my daughter, sports is my biggest ally.” The Canadian Army Artillery veteran, lives in St-Eustache, Québec, and is training in powerlifting and cycling.
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Julie Nadeau
Captain (Retired) Julie Nadeau, once a Nursing Officer with the RCAF, loves a challenge. Inspired by her partner, two daughters and friends need that at the Invictus Games, where she will be training for cycling and swimming on top of maintain a busy family life and exercising with her Kangoo shoes. As she puts it: “listen to your body, let your injuries heal, and remember that five minutes in the gym is five minutes you weren’t sitting down, doing nothing.”
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Karyne Gelinas
“It's an opportunity to be part of something greater once again,” says Captain (Retired) Karyne Gelinas, about Soldier On and Invictus Games 2017. “This opportunity has given me the motivation and goal I needed for my rehabilitation, both physically and mentally. The Moncton, New Brunswick, resident is a former Royal Canadian Air Force Air Traffic Controller and is training in golf.
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Katherine Heath
Corporal (Retired) Katherine Heath’s personal goals for the Invictus Games are much greater than winning a race at an international competition. “For me the Invictus Games aren’t about medals. They are about getting my life back. Doing something that will make me get over fears. I may not be a typical athlete but I strive to give myself challenges. I may finish last but I gave it all I've got. It's about trying to get through everyday challenges in a positive way.” The resident of Rusagonis, New Brunswick is training in swimming and cycling.
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Kelly Scanlan
Corporal Kelly Scanlan, an Infantry soldier with the Canadian Army, has already used her Invictus Games experience to begin a new adventure. "Thanks to my training for the Invictus Games 2017, I was recently hired as a firefighter.” She is currently training in the sports of swimming, tennis and cycling.
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Kevin Nanson
Kevin Nanson, a retired Sergeant with the Canadian Army, knows the true value of participating in Invictus Games 2017. “These games give us a mission again: a purpose and the teamwork we have been missing since being injured or wounded. Words cannot possibly describe what it means.” The veteran of both the Canadian Armies and British Armies from Gibbons, Alberta, is now training in the sports of golf, track and field and wheelchair rugby.
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Krista Seguin
Lieutenant (Navy) Krista Seguin turns to Latin for her mantra: Luctor et Emergo. “It means I struggle and emerge. I find this phrase to be very fitting for me as it represents the struggles that I have faced in life but also the resiliency that I have gained from it all.” Resident of Victoria, British Columbia, the Logistics Officer is training in powerlifting and sitting volleyball.
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Kristopher Vaughan
Sergeant Kristopher Vaughan from Kingston, Ontario, looks across the breakfast table for inspiration. “My wife Sherri is so strong. She stood by me at my worst, made me believe in myself, made me believe I can accomplish anything - especially recovery.” The Construction Technician with the Royal Canadian Air Force spends his spare time building homes for Habitat for Humanity and training in the sport of archery.
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Lorne Ford
Sergeant Lorne Ford, an Infantry soldier from Gibbons, Alberta, still looks to his Big Brother for inspiration. “I consider him to be my father because he has helped to mold me into the man I am now! We met when I was nine and still talk to this day.” He is training in rowing and wheelchair rugby.
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Lutz Stelzner
Sports and Soldier On have become very important to Veteran Lutz Stelzner. “They keep me out of a wheelchair.” The retired Master Corporal with the Canadian Army lives in Oliver, British Columbia, and trains in cycling.
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Marc Comeau
“To live a moment more with my brothers and sisters-in-arms.” That is what Sergeant (Retired) Marc Comeau is most looking forward to as he prepares for Invictus Games 2017.” Born in Tracadie, New Brunswick, the Oromocto, New Brunswick resident, a former Combat Engineer, is training in archery.
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Marcel Moreau
Marcel Moreau looks no further than his own daughter for true grit and inspiration. “My oldest daughter Kristina was deployed in Bosnia in 2002 as a nurse. She came back and went straight to medical school and graduated in 2009 while raising my two grandkids on her own as a single mother.” From Oshawa, the retired Warrant Officer is training in the sports of golf and wheelchair rugby.
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Mark Hoogendoorn
Master Corporal Mark Hoogendoorn credits Soldier On for reintroducing him to an active lifestyle and sports after losing his left leg in Afghanistan. This new active lifestyle has enabled him to continue his career as a Combat Engineer in the Canadian Armed Forces. The Charters Settlement resident currently trains in powerlifting and wheelchair rugby.
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Martine Duval
Royal Canadian Air Force Private Martine Duval of Cold Lake credits her Invictus Games opportunity with getting her back to the gym and re-discovering a positive attitude. Inspired by her partner, her family and all her friends, she is looking forward to doing them proud in the Invictus Games golf event for which she is training.
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Matthew Bleach
Corporal (Retired) Matthew Bleach, a former Medical Technician with the Canadian Army, is a newcomer to Soldier On and the Invictus Games but they have become his motivation. “Before, I was always too busy or not feeling well. Now that I am involved I enjoy it and I want to continue with it. I have learned that it is not too late to get back to the gym and to take care of yourself physically and mentally.” The Wahnapitae, Ontario, resident will become a father of four this summer with the birth of twins. He is training in swimming.
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Melanie Harris
When faced with a challenge, Melanie Harris uses her trusty slogan: Do It Scared. “Sometimes we are afraid to do things. Fear plays a big part in preventing us from accomplishing our goals. It may not be the best idea, but do it anyway!” The Edmonton, Alberta, resident who is a retired Corporal with the Canadian Army, is training in archery and sitting volleyball.
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Melissa Smith
Retired Corporal Melissa Smith, who served as a Medic during her military career, has chosen her fellow veterans as her inspiration. "I draw strength and motivation from them; they remind me that although I no longer wear a uniform; I'm still part of a very special and unique family." Powerlifting and archery are the sports of choice for this Newfoundlander living out of Fredericton, New Brunswick.
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Michael Clarke
Corporal (Retired) Michael Clarke is looking forward to reconnecting with members of the Canadian Armed Forces, having been medically released in 1986 following a motorcycle accident. The former 8th Canadian Hussars crewman with the Canadian Army from Toronto, Ontario, has been involved with wheelchair athletics for more than 20 years and is currently training in cycling and track and field.
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Michael Fuentespina
Master Warrant Officer Michael Fuentespina represented Canada at Invictus Games 2016 in Orlando, Florida. The Medic with the Canadian Army is from Ottawa, Ontario and is training in cycling.
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Michael Reist
Warrant Officer (Retired) Michael Reist finds his inspiration from his partner. “My wife, she is the strongest person I know.” The former Infantry soldier with the Canadian Army lives in Gagetown, New Brunswick. He is training for archery and wheelchair rugby.
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Mike Trauner
Master Corporal (Retired) Mike Trauner might be “half man and half machine” but he is all about sport. He is currently training in rowing, cycling and wheelchair basketball as he prepares for Invictus Games 2017. “I'm stuck in my house on a daily basis,” says the veteran Infantry soldier and resident of Pembroke, Ontario. “I want to be part of a team again, like I was when I was back in battalion. I want to continue to represent my country and inspire other ill and injured service members to realize that anything is possible.”
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Michel LeBlanc
Michel LeBlanc is passionate about his training for rowing and cycling and Invictus Games 2017. “I love so much about the Invictus Games. The likeminded people from multiple countries coming together for the same cause and enjoying the experience as one. The opportunity to show the world that when you get knocked down you can get back up and achieve so much,” says the retired Master Corporal is from Fredericton, New Brunswick.
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Mik Popiel
Sergeant Mik Popiel has his sons to thank for his determination. “My sons inspire me because they drive me to provide them with a childhood that generations before them weren't able to have.” For everything else to do with his training, Sgt. Popiel thanks his wife. She keeps me disciplined when it comes to my training, diet and hydration.” The Infantry soldier with the Canadian Army is from Quinte West, Ontario and is training in swimming and cycling.
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Mimi Poulin
An adaptive snowboarding instructor in her spare time, Corporal Mimi Poulin is looking forward to the camaraderie that she knows will be part of Invictus Games 2017: she participated in last year’s Games in Orlando, Florida. “This is one more chance to make my country proud.” The Search and Rescue Technician with the Royal Canadian Air Force is from Lazo, British Columbia and is training in swimming and cycling.
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Natacha Dupuis
Natacha Dupuis, co-captain of the Canadian Team, has a message for other ill and injured members headed to Invictus Games 2017. “You have been given this amazing opportunity to make changes in your life. Believe me, if you put in the effort, the Invictus movement and Soldier On will lift you right up. You will accomplish things you never thought possible.” This will be the second Games for Dupuis who lives in Gatineau, Quebec, and is training in track and field and rowing.
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Nic Meunier
Sergeant (Retired) Nic Meunier, from Montreal area, Quebec, knows exactly what he wants from Invictus Games 2017: “Gold!” The retired Team Leader and Search and Rescue Technician from the Royal Canadian Air Force started at the Royal 22e Regiment of Infantry. He came close to gold twice at last year’s Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida, earning two silver medals. He is currently training in the sports of archery, golf and wheelchair rugby.
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Nicholas Verleun
Captain Nicholas Verleun, an Artillery Officer with the Canadian Army, looks to Arthur Wellesley for inspiration. “He started out, and was widely unappreciated, and was beset on all sides by people hoping for his failure,” Capt Verleun says of the Anglo-Irish soldier and statesman who was one of the leading military and political figures of 19th-century Britain. The resident of Shilo, Manitoba is training in powerlifting.
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Pearce Bourassa
Leading Seaman (Retired) Pearce Bourassa believes “that there is nothing like sport to bring a country like Canada together.” The Vancouver, British Columbia resident is currently training in cycling, rowing and tennis as he prepares to compete at Invictus Games 2017 in Toronto.
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Peter Dennis
Leading Seaman Peter Dennis uses his mother as his example of excellence. “My Mom inspires me because she never gives up. She went back to school to become a teacher.” The Middle Sackville, Nova Scotia, resident is training in cycling.
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Phillip Badanai
Corporal (Retired) Phillip Badanai, a Canadian Army Veteran, is dauntlessly training for three sports leading up to Invictus Games 2017: rowing, wheelchair rugby and a third undecided sport. “The Games are going to challenge me,” says the Barrie, Ontario, resident. “They are going to get me out of my head and out of my basement.”
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Rob Sanders
Corporal (Retired) Rob Sanders has already given a lot of thought to what he will be wearing at Invictus Games 2017. “I am looking forward to wearing the Maple Leaf. When participating in team sports, I always tried to wear #14 in honour of Dave Keon of the Toronto Maple Leafs — one of the best players in Leafs history.” The Langdon, Alberta, resident is training in archery and sitting volleyball.
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Robert O. Smith
Corporal (Retired) Robert O. Smith finds himself an inspiration as he prepares for the Invictus Games. “Since joining my injured brothers at the gym I have lost more than 50 pounds. I'm probably in better shape now than I was in the military. My daughter told me that I was her biggest inspiration. She now in her third year at Queens taking physical education. I like to think I'm responsible for her path in life.” When the veteran is not training for his sports of swimming and track and field, he works as a volunteer police officer for the City of Kingston in Ontario.
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Ryan Voll
Corporal (Retired) Ryan Voll is training for cycling as he prepares for Invictus Games 2017. The Toronto, Ontario, resident enjoys reading and world traveling with his children and is studying to be an astrophysicist when he is not in his bike saddle.
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Sandy Bate
Sandy Bate is dedicating her performance in golf at Invictus Games 2017 to the memories of her mother and brother who were both avid golfers. The Master Corporal (Retired) with the Royal Canadian Air Force lives in Victoria, British Columbia, and will be bringing lots of skill and know-how to the Games as she was inducted into Canadian Armed Forces Sports Honour Roll for Multiple Sports in 2007.
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Scott Atkinson
A nickname like Master Corporal Scott ‘Big Army’ Atkinson’s might win a couple mind games while competing at Invictus Games 2017. The former rugby player, the Ottawa, Ontario, resident is currently training in the sports of archery and cycling.
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Simon Mailloux
Captain Simon Mailloux is co-captain of Team Canada – Invictus Games 2017. After representing Canada at Invictus Games 2016 in Orlando, Florida, he knows exactly why the Games are important to the athletes and to Canadians. “It is an opportunity to see great spirits compete, but also to share our stories of service to this country.” The Infantry Officer with the Royal 22e Régiment is from Quebec City, Quebec and is training in track and field and sitting volleyball.
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Stephane Roy
Warrant Officer Stephane Roy is with the Royal Canadian Air Force. He is from Comox, British Columbia and sees Soldier On and the Invictus Games as the much-needed fuel for his passion for sports. “I have a goal now.” The Search and Rescue Technician for the Royal Canadian Air Force is training in wheelchair basketball.
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Steve Daniel
No stranger to international athletic competitions, Steve Daniel has already represented Canada in the sport of rowing at the Invictus Games 2016 in Orlando, Florida, earning a silver medal, and the Beijing Paralympic Games in 2008. The Sudbury native and retired Sergeant with the Canadian Army is currently training in rowing and wheelchair basketball. “Invictus Games has been a remarkable experience for me. I encourage my teammates to push themselves in their training and be open to new friendships through this journey.
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Steve Murgatroyd
Sergeant Steve Murgatroyd is excited to be a part of Team Canada headed to Invictus Games 2017. “I’m eager to learn new skills from my peers, pass on what I’ve learned and to support all my teammates on their journey in sport.” The resident of Truro, Nova Scotia, is an Infantry soldier with the Canadian Army.
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Suzanne Barrette
New to Soldier On, Veteran Suzanne Barrette served as Mobile Support Equipment Operator and Resource Management Clerk during her service with the Canadian Armed Forces. Suzanne suffers from multiple medical conditions including spinal fusion which has made her life very challenging for the past 10 years. She sees Invictus Games 2017 as motivation to leave her isolation habits. The Ottawa, Ontario resident is training in: archery and indoor rowing.
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Tom Martineau
Veteran Tom Martineau relishes the challenges and rewards that the Invictus Games will bring. The retired Canadian Army Warrant Officer from Kingston, Ontario, is training for the sports of golf and wheelchair basketball.
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Tracy Howlett-Cooney
Corporal (Retired) Tracy Howlett-Cooney has been a determined athlete since her youth, organizing and motivating peers to improve their skills and meet goals. This has helped Tracy in her own injury recovery. “The Invictus Games will be an excellent place to inspire and motivate me,” says Howlett-Cooney, who is from Comox, British Columbia. “These will be my very first competitions in rowing, cycling and wheelchair basketball.”
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Tyron Lincoln
Sergeant (Retired) Tyron Lincoln’s grandmother is his inspiration for the Invictus Games and beyond. “She was my mother and father and shaped me into the determined man I am today.” The Burlington, Ontario resident who was a Geomatics Technician with the Canadian Army is training in track and field, cycling and wheelchair rugby.
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Tyson Tulk
Tyson Tulk is a believer when it comes to the benefits of sport. “The power of sport is amazing. One of the events I am taking part in is archery and I was blown away at the meditative feeling you get from it. Getting that arrow to where you want it to go makes outside noise fade away.” The Torbay, Newfoundland, resident is also training in shot put.
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Warren Brace
Master Corporal (Retired) Warren Brace is living a dream as he heads to Invictus Games 2017. “These Games give me a chance to help myself get into better shape and live a more active lifestyle. I have always dreamed of swimming for Team Canada and now I am going to!” The former Aviation Systems Technician with the Royal Canadian Air Force lives in Trenton, Ontario.
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Wayne Jerrett
The Invictus Games have reintroduced Warrant Officer (Retired) Wayne Jerrett to the benefits of the familiar and as well as unknown. “The Games enable people to participate in events that they are familiar with and try new recreational activities that they never knew they could accomplish.” During Wayne’s 25-year-career he has deployed six times to places such a Bosnia, South West Asia and Afghanistan. The Carrying Place, Ontario resident who specialized in Traffic Technician and C130 Loadmaster is training for the sports of golf, swimming and basketball.
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Will Werth
Having just completed his advanced diploma in Software Engineering from Conestoga College, Corporal (Retired) Will Werth is now focused on training for Invictus Games 2017. The former Combat Engineer with the Canadian Army from Plattsville, Ontario is training for the golf event.
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