Application Process Open for Canadian Armed Forces Personnel and Veterans to Compete in 2017 Invictus Games

After the world tuned into the 2016 Invictus Games in Orlando and witnessed the triumphs of ill and injured soldiers from around the world, Canada is making preparations for its turn to host the game next year. Part of these preparations include putting together the 2017 Team Canada and registration for next year’s team is now open.

“We strongly encourage any Canadian armed forces member or veteran with a physical or mental health illness or injury to apply,” said Greg Lagacé from Soldier On.

The 2017 Invictus Games will be held from Sept. 26 to 30. Next year’s Games are expected to bring together 600 competitors from up to 16 nations competing in 12 sports.

The 2017 Invictus Team Canada is projected to be close to 100 competitors.

Lagacé stressed that athletics is not a main priority when the selection committee sits down to chose the team, rather they will be looking for a strong commitment to participation and sportsmanship and the soldiers who will benefit greatly from taking part in the games. Though athletic ability is important, it is a secondary consideration. This, Lagacé says, lines up with the true intent of why Prince Harry started these games.

The aim of the Invictus Games is to use the power of sport and camaraderie to help competitors rediscover themselves and enhance their path to recovery and healing.

Try outs will be held later this year and applications will go through the selection committee, which is currently not put together.

“I think it’s pretty safe to say that we are going to be selecting people who are training hard…but there will also a percentage of the team who can benefit from this experience as part of their recovery,” said Lagacé.

Athletes are allowed to take part in multiple sports, but there can be limitations due to scheduling conflicts.

Soldier On and Invictus Games 2017 are currently working on fundraising to cover the costs of equipment for the team.

Information about tryouts and training camps will be released later this summer.

Deadline to register is June 30. To register click this link.