Defence Minister supports Team Canada at Invictus Games 2017
News Release
September 25, 2017 – Toronto – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Celebrating the positive impact sport can have on the lives of ill and injured soldiers and veterans, Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan finished a two-day visit to the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto. Throughout his visit he had the opportunity to meet with athletes, cheer on Team Canada at sporting events, and attend medal presentations.
Minister Sajjan leveraged the presence of international counterparts and held bilateral meetings with defence ministers from Georgia and Romania and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John S. Sullivan on the margins of the Games.
Minister Sajjan also attended a reception held by the Ukranian Canadian Congress with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Minister of Veteran’s Affairs, Seamus O’Regan.
The Invictus Games 2017, held across Greater Toronto Area, will continue until September 30, 2017. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is proud of its current serving members and veterans who have volunteered to represent Canada at the 2017 Invictus Games and raise awareness of rehabilitative sports and programs such as Soldier On.
Quotes
“The Invictus Games serve as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage and determination of those who were injured while serving their country. Join me in applauding their strength and cheering on Team Canada.”
Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister
Quick Facts
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Team Canada is represented this year by 90 athletes – 26 CAF members and 64 veterans. The athletes are competing in 11 sports and the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge. Each Team Canada competitor is either a serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, and has sustained a physical or mental health injury while in service.
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Team Canada co-captains, Major Simon Mailloux, who is currently serving in the Canadian Army, and retired Master-Corporal Natacha Dupuis – are leading and mentoring the Canadian athletes
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Using the transformative power of sport, Soldier On has supported more than 3,200 members since its inception 10 years ago. Soldier On is committed to supporting veterans and serving members with a permanent mental health or physical injury to adapt to their new normal, overcome their challenges and Soldier On in life.
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Contacts
Jordan Owens
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Email: jordan.owens@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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