The Invictus Games began when HRH The Duke of Sussex visited the Warrior Games in the USA in 2013. He saw first-hand how the power of sport can help those suffering from injuries and illness. The Games harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country. This year’s Games will take place in Düsseldorf, Germany, and a local veteran from Clarence-Rockland has been chosen to participate as part of Team Canada.
Bob Beaudry of Clarence-Rockland, who will represent the Prescott-Russell region, served for 20 years with the Canadian Armed Forces, stationed in Petawawa, Halifax, Edmonton, and Ottawa. He’s also deployed on several overseas operations between the Balkans, NATO, and the Middle East. He’ll be joining the other 30 members of Team Canada and participating in the Archery, Swimming, and Wheelchair Rugby events.
“I am honored to have been chosen to participate in the 2023 Invictus Games and being a part of Team Canada is definitely an exciting feeling,” Beaudry said. “There are a lot of logistics involved and that part worries me a little, but I am not worried about competing at all.”
Aside from one-week training camps organized by Team Canada, Beaudry has been practicing with a Wheelchair Rugby Team, taking lessons from an Archery Club, and swimming at the local YMCA. He’s been exercising five times per week to prepare for the games, along with adhering to a strict diet. The team doesn’t have the exact schedule for the games yet, but Beaudry is excited to go back to Germany.
“I have only been to Germany as a staging location for other deployments but never to visit,” he said. “During the games, I will not have much time to do anything else however, once the games are over, I plan on spending some extra time to travel around Germany with some of my family.”
The Invictus Games will take place in Düsseldorf, Germany from September 9 to 16. Tickets can be purchased at https://invictusgames23.de/
