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Invictus Games 2017 Team Canada athletes announced

The 90-member team that will be representing Canada during the 2017 Invictus Games was announced yesterday by BGen. Shane Brennan, Commanding Officer of the Joint Personnel Support Unit and Head of Mission for Team Canada.

“I am proud of our current serving members and veterans who are representing Canada at the 2017 Invictus Games. Their performances on the track, in the swimming lanes, and at the nine other adaptive sports events at the Games will demonstrate the extraordinary courage and determination of those who acquired a mental health or physical injury while serving their country,” said Brennan.

The announcement was made during an event at Fort Henry in Kingston that was also attended by Gen. (ret’d) Walt Natynczyk, Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada in a show of solidarity with the athletes who are in their final leg of training.

“At Veterans Affairs Canada we are dedicated to the recovery, the rehabilitation and the well-being of our Veterans and support of their families. The Invictus Games are another opportunity to support them to achieve their goals and ambitions and to honour their service and sacrifices,” said Natynczyk.

Also, today, to celebrate the 100-day countdown to the Invictus Games, the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 Organizing Committee announced the launch of ticket sales for the event.

The Games are set to take place from Sept. 23 to 30 in various venues across Toronto.

“The Invictus Games are far more than a seven-day sporting event; they’re a means of rehabilitative therapy for the participating wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans, and their families. The Games also allow the Canadian public to meet them and show their support for our military. We’ll get to watch some incredible sports competition, and see just what these fierce competitors can do,” said Michael Burns, CEO of Invictus Games Toronto 2017.

The committee also announced today the lineup for the Opening Ceremony on Sept. 23. Musical sensations performing at the ceremony include: international stars Alessia Cara, Sarah McLachlan, The Tenors, the French Canadian folk band La Bottine Souriante and the international sensation Laura Wright will be joined by members of the Canadian Military Wives Choir.

The ceremony will also feature hundreds of performers, dignitaries, and other special guests.

“Hosting the Invictus Games 2017 in Toronto gives Canadians a unique opportunity to commemorate and honour our ill, wounded and injured soldiers, and their families. It’s fitting that this wonderful event is being held here as we celebrate Canada 150 and its emphasis on our country’s diversity and inclusion. Let’s all come together and show our support for these inspiring and amazing athletes!” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

The Invictus Games use the power of sport to empower ill and injured military members from around the world. This year’s games will feature 11 sports including archery, track, and field, indoor rowing, powerlifting, cycling, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair rugby, and golf. There will also be a Driving Challenge.

“The Invictus Games in Toronto will have the power to change the lives of all 550 competitors, and the lives of their friends and families who have been invited to be a part of this healing experience. All of us have said goodbye to the lives we once had before becoming ill, wounded or injured. Many of us have yet to greet our new potentials…until now,” said Sgt. (ret’d) Steve Daniel, a member of Team Canada for both the 2016 and 2017 Invictus Games.

Opening Ceremony tickets start at $60, and all sports tickets are priced just at $25.

Tickets can be purchased online.

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Mishall Rehman

Originally from Atlanta, GA, Mishall is a freelance journalist pursuing her passion for writing in her new homeland Canada. She currently lives in Trenton, ON with her husband.

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