Team Canada wraps up training camp ahead of Warrior Games
News release
April 2, 2019 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Team Canada has completed its training camp in Victoria, British Columbia, with members prepared to compete at the 2019 Warrior Games. This is the second year that Team Canada will participate in the competition that will take place June 21-30 in Tampa, Florida.
Lieutenant-General Stephen Bowes and Brigadier-General Mark Misener were among those who visited the camp to observe the training and offer their support to the Veterans and serving Canadian Armed Forces members on the team.
The goal of the Warrior Games is to enhance the recovery of ill and injured armed service members and Veterans through sport. The 39 members of Team Canada will compete in all 13 sports at these games, against more than 300 ill and injured armed forces members and Veterans from the U.S., U.K., Australia, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The participation of Team Canada is made possible through the Canadian Armed Forces’ Soldier On Program, in partnership with Invictus Games Toronto 2017 and Under Armour.
Thanks to the generosity of Canadians, Soldier On has disbursed more than $6 million directly to ill and injured members across the country in support of their recovery. If you wish to help support our serving members and Veterans, please visit https://www.soldieron.ca/ and click on Give Support.
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Quotes
“The Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans who make up Team Canada have proudly served their country, and are now representing us on the world stage. The courage and determination they display in overcoming physical and mental health injuries to excel in sport, is truly inspirational. Congratulations, Team Canada, we are proud of you.”
The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence
“It's great to know that we have such an impressive Team Canada ready to head down to the Warrior Games. The resilience of these athletes as they train for the Games and represent Canada on the international stage is truly inspiring. Using sport as a means of recovery, connection and strength takes courage. I applaud these Veterans and still serving members on being named to Team Canada for the 2019 Warrior Games.”
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
“Congratulations to the serving members and Veterans who will represent Canada at the 2019 Warrior Games. Your resilience and desire to overcome adversity is a true inspiration! With the help of your family, friends, the CAF and your local communities, you are overcoming mental and physical injuries on your road to recovery. Keep up your determined efforts in the lead up to Tampa and beyond.”
Brigadier-General Mark Misener, Commander Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group and Head of Mission for Team Canada
“I am thrilled to have been named Team Captain, very humbled, and 100% honoured to represent Canada at the 2019 Warrior Games along with all of my teammates. Training camp has been a great opportunity to reconnect with those in the military – I haven’t laughed as much in months as I have this week. Being part of this team means having others to lean on, looking out for one another, and just having fun! I can’t wait for the Games to begin and look forward to seeing everyone on our team smiling down in Tampa.”
Warrant Officer Damien Pittman, Team Captain, Team Canada 2019 Warrior Games
Quick facts
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Team Canada’s 39-person contingent includes 22 serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and 17 Veterans.
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The team will represent Canada in all 13 sports at the Warrior Games: archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track, field, wheelchair basketball, indoor rowing, powerlifting, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis, and golf.
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The Warrior Games, established in 2010, helped inspire His Royal Highness Prince Harry of Wales’ creation of the Invictus Games. Both competitions are focused on the important role that sport can play in improving the lives of ill and injured armed forces members, Veterans, and their families.
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The Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group is a newly created formation that delivers professional, personalized, and standardized casualty support and transition services to CAF members and their families to enable a seamless transition and enhanced well-being with special attention provided to ill and injured personnel, their families and the families of the deceased. One of our most successful programs is Soldier On.
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The CAF’s Soldier On Program has supported close to 5,000 members since its inception more than 12 years ago, and remains committed to supporting serving members and Veterans members with a permanent mental or physical injury to adapt to their new normal and overcome their challenges.
Associated links
Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
Lt(N) Kelly Boyden
Team Canada Warrior Games 2019 Public Affairs Officer
Phone: 613-797-2130
Email: Kelly.Boyden@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
vac.media-medias.acc@Canada.ca
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