Apply now by visiting invictusgames2017.com/volunteer
Over 1,500 volunteers will be recruited to deliver the third and largest Invictus Games, to be held in Toronto, Canada, from September 23 to 30, 2017.
TORONTO, ON (November 10, 2016) —The online portal is officially open for members of the public who wish to become a volunteer for the Invictus Games Toronto 2017. Launching the volunteer application portal on the eve of Remembrance Day offers Canadians a unique opportunity to show their gratitude and support for the servicemen and women who have become wounded, ill or injured as a result of their military service. With only 1,500 roles available, the portal will only be open for a limited time so the public is encouraged to submit their application early to avoid disappointment.
“This year, as we remember the sacrifices made by our soldiers and their families, we encourage Canadians to transform the empathy they have for our service members and turn it into tangible action,” said Michael Burns, chief executive officer, Invictus Games Toronto 2017 Organizing Committee. “By becoming an Invictus Games volunteer, people can play a vital role in the rehabilitation of our ill, wounded and injured soldiers and veterans.”
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne is enthusiastically welcoming the Invictus Games family to Toronto and encouraging everyone to get involved:
“On the journey to recovery, the bonds formed through sport can play a crucial role. The 2017 Invictus Games will be a transformative experience for athletes, veterans, volunteers and fans. This is an opportunity for all of us to thank the men and women whose sacrifices keep us safe. In 2017, let’s show the Invictus family just how much we appreciate their service and care about their recovery” said the Premier.
The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, encourages Canadians to rally behind its ill and injured service members, veterans, and their families.
“Hosting the Games in Canada is a great opportunity for Canadians to show pride and support for those who served and now represent Canada on a national stage,” said Minister Hehr. “By competing in these Games and by being courageous in their rehabilitation, these athletes are vital role models for their fellow Canadian veterans, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and Canadians at large, whose lives have been affected by injury.”
Caroline McIntosh is a leadership volunteer for the Invictus Games Toronto 2017. Volunteering is part of her commitment to honouring the soldiers who liberated the Netherlands in the Second World War. Her Dutch parents, who interacted with Canadian soldiers during the War, instilled in her a reverence for the Canadian Armed Forces, and it’s something the mother of two demonstrates by championing causes that support military personnel and their families.
“The Invictus Games offer our wounded soldiers and veterans a means of healing through the redemptive, rehabilitative qualities of sport,” said McIntosh. “To be given the opportunity to play a central role in this healing process as an Invictus Games volunteer is incredibly meaningful to me.”
What can volunteers expect from their experience? Volunteers will be on the frontlines of these inspirational Games, playing a central role in the rehabilitative journey of wounded, ill and injured veterans. Their efforts will help provide more than 550 wounded military competitors with a forum to display to themselves—and to the world—that they are not defined by their injuries.
Volunteer roles include preparing the field of play, recording quotes from competitors, taking tickets, transporting competitors to events, providing medical services, supporting behind the scenes with the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and much more.
Established by Prince Harry in 2014, the Invictus Games are the only international adaptive sporting event for wounded, ill and injured active duty and veteran service members. Presented by Jaguar Land Rover, the third Invictus Games will welcome up to 550 competitors from 17 nations competing in 12 sports, including wheelchair rugby, swimming and, for the first time, golf. Over the upcoming months, participating nations—including, this year, Romania and Ukraine—will be recruiting their teams of ill, wounded and injured service members who will compete in the Invictus Games as a means of rehabilitation.
For more information on how to apply to become a volunteer, visit invictusgames2017.com/volunteer.
About the Invictus Games Toronto 2017
The Invictus Games use the power of adaptive sport to help wounded warriors on their journey to recovery. The inaugural Invictus Games took place in London in September 2014 with the second, and equally successful, event taking place in Orlando in May 2016. The Invictus Games Toronto 2017 Organizing Committee is tasked with planning and executing a Games that will capture the imagination of the Canadian public, corporations and governments, as well as soldiers, veterans and their families.
Follow the 2017 Invictus Games journey at invictusgames2017.com and on social media at @InvictusToronto.
For more information, please contact:
Pj Kwong
Media relations coordinator
Invictus Games Toronto 2017 Organizing Committee
media@invictusgames2017.com
416-364-0001 ext. 69