Paige LeClairTeam Canada completed its training camp in Victoria, B.C. early this week, with the members ready to compete at the 2019 Warrior Games. This is the second year that Team Canada will participate in the competition in Tampa, Florida from June 21 to 30.
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 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,” Minister of National Defence Harjit S. Sajjan stated in a press release.
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.
The Warrior Games, established in 2010, helped inspire His Royal Highness Prince Harry of Wales’ creation of the Invictus Games.
“I am thrilled to have been named Team Captain, very humbled, and 100 per cent 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,” stated Warrant Officer Damien Pittman, Team Captain, Team Canada 2019 Warrior Games.
To follow Team Canada during the Warrior Games click here.
