On Saturday in Canada, the Seventh Invictus Games Games will start – the Invincible Games. Soldiers and veterans who have suffered health during service will take part in them. Sport has become a form of therapy for them, but also building unity above flags. Poland will be represented by a 19-person team. They were officially farewell before departure.
“One band, one heart” – with this shout Polish soldiers and veterans go to Canada for the invincible games, to proudly drag their countrymen and fulfill their sports ambitions. The fact that they will give their best this time they have already proved with their lives.
– Our joys are already our joy. I am very grateful to you for serving the Polish Army. For what you did as soldiers, you do as soldiers, because you are a soldier for life, even if the uniform is now turned into a sports outfit – says Władysław Kosiniak -Kamysz, deputy prime minister and minister of national defense.
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In Vancouver and in Whistler, 19 players will be represented by Poland. Just before departure, they packed the dose of support from families, friends and state authorities.
– I am very happy that Poland and the Polish army have such soldiers, he has such athletes who, despite various adversities, despite struggling with diseases, are ready to continue to serve and compete with others – emphasizes Stanisław Zawiątek, deputy minister of defense national.
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Current and former soldiers compete in the competition
The Polish staff for Invictus Games competition has been preparing for a year at the Military Training and Conditioning Centers in Zakopane and Mrągowo.
– We practiced individually and played as a team. We turned our experiences from groupings into a hard training in our places of residence, where each of us perfected our individual skills – informs St. Staff. Dariusz Gaweł, veteran, Polish representative at Invictus Games competitions.
This is the seventh edition of Invictus Games. The present is competed in the competition and former soldiers who, serving in the army, suffered damage to their health. – When we are together, I feel that I am visible, I am more than a disabled person. I am a disabled person who suits this puzzle from disabled people – confesses one of the participants of the competition.
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For the first time in the competition program, in addition to such disciplines as sitting volleyball or swimming, there will also be winter competitions – cross -country and alpine skiing, biathlon or curling.
– I live this competition every day. They make me a better person, and this in turn helps me to make others become the best version of myself – says another participant.
Physical activity improves cardiovascular conditionMovement is a very important element of cardiological prevention and extends life. People who do not move live on average 10-20 years shorter. tvn24
“It's about the invincible spirit”
Over 500 athletes from 20 countries will compete for medals. However, not getting laurels is the most important thing there. – For me it is important to collect gold memories. I see how people participating in this competition are developing, they are getting better. Medals are just a bonus. They are great, but it is about the invincible spirit – emphasizes the participant in the competition.
Invictus Games are part of a larger mission aimed at various types of veterans and their families, often after traumatic experiences. – When I was at the grouping for the first time before the competition, I called my wife and she cried for two minutes. I was scared that something bad happened and she told me: thank you all for making them my husband back – says another participant.
Corporal Jeff Becker served, among others, in former Yugoslavia and Afghanistan. He was injured during the mission. When he returned home, he was not able to raise his daughter or shopping bags. He suffered from post -traumatic stress syndrome. Sport helped him. The motivation for daily rehabilitation has been to start in Invictus Games.
– I don't have a smartwatch, Fitbit or this type of items. I have a band on my hand, which reminds me of: hey, it's sunny, go for a walk, pull some oxygen to the brain, spend healthy time with friends and family – says Jeff Becker.
The originator, and today the main patron of the Games is Prince Harry, who served in the British army for 10 years. – Smiles on the faces of the players prove why we do it. Imagine when family and friends get on the bus, go to Whistler and spend a beautiful day with the players, breathing mountain air – emphasizes the prince.
The Invictus Games competition will start this Saturday, and during the opening ceremony, Katy Perry and Chris Martin will perform, among others. The competition will last until February 16.
Source of the main photo: Tvn24