Canadian Rangers help host Invictus Games in Whistler

More than 500 injured veterans and still‑serving armed forces members from 20 countries competed at the Invictus Games. Founded by His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex in 2014, the Invictus Games (Latin for ‘unconquered’) is an international sporting event designed to promote the ongoing rehabilitation and support of veterans and service members wounded in the service of their countries. It also helps raise funds for charities that support veterans. This year, Team Canada fielded 56 veterans and still‑serving Canadian Armed Forces athletes at the Games.

Canada last hosted the Invictus Games in 2017 in Toronto, Ont. The Government of Canada, through Veteran Affairs, and the B.C. Government are among the sponsors of this non‑profit event.

This year’s Invictus Games featured nine winter and indoor adaptive sports events, including the newly introduced alpine skiing, snowboarding, Nordic (cross‑country) skiing, biathlon, skeleton and wheelchair curling.

All branches of the Canadian Armed Forces were honoured to provide support for this year’s Invictus Games in various ways, from colour guard and instrumental band at the opening ceremonies, to assisting with medal presentations, staffing information booths and assisting with the closing ceremonies. Among others, the Canadian Rangers were personally requested by General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, to act as her honour guard during the ceremonies.

“What a privilege it was to serve,” said CR Sgt Tetreault. “These warriors inspired me as they were swimming with one limb or snowboarding blind in the spirit of competition. I loved the atmosphere and energy that the community expressed.”

CR Sgt Tetreault began his Canadian Armed Forces career with 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI). He served with 3 PPCLI for nine years, which included a tour of duty in Afghanistan, before releasing from the military in 2009. CR Sgt Tetreault then joined 4 CRPG’s Quesnel CRP and became a Canadian Ranger in 2019. The Quesnel CRP has a current complement of 43 members. CR Sgt Tetreault, who serves as the Quesnel Patrol Commander, is originally from Terrace, B.C., and moved to Quesnel six years ago to build a homestead and farm with his wife and fellow Ranger Cheri and their three children. In their civilian occupations, Cheri works full‑time as a Registered Nurse, and Cameron is the co‑founder of the Pro Patria Coffee Company, a local coffee roastery he operates with a fellow veteran.