Mental Wellness Matters this Veterans’ Health Week
8 – 15 October 2023 is Veterans’ Health Week and this year’s theme is Mental Wellness Matters. At Invictus Australia, we know that staying active and connected is fundamental in building mental wellness, with fresh research from the Invictus Games The Hague 2022 finding that 94.6% of participants indicate experiencing some to a considerable extent of mental healing as a result of participating. These results are common amongst other studies into the power of sport, no matter the level of competitiveness.
With Mental Health Month in October and 10th October designated World Mental Health Day, this moment serves as an ideal opportunity for us to reflect on the significant impact that sports have in bolstering the mental wellbeing of our military veterans and their families.
Engaging in various aspects of your local sports community, whether through participation, volunteering, coaching, mentoring, or simply spectating, can contribute positively to your overall mental health.
To mark these October milestones, Invictus Australia‘s frontline staff around Australia have arranged a huge raft of activities for our audience. You can view all activities here, and we’ve listed a few here to give you a taste.
a sample of veterans health week activities 2023
Pickleball – try the newest craze!
That’s right – Pickleball is officially trending with stats announcing it is the fastest growing sport worldwide! Want to see what all the fuss is about? Join us at the following locations this VHW.
- Toowoomba (QLD) on 12th October
- Tuggeranong (ACT) on 16th October
- Hampton RSL (VIC) on 18th October
True Grit WA-style!
It’s Western Australia’s turn to get their True Grit on! This October 14th and 15th, join Team Veteran, powered by Invictus Australia.
True Grit is the only Australian owned and operated military inspired obstacle course created by Australian special forces. It is the perfect mix of physical and mental challenge delivered through fun, fitness and friends to give racers of all ages and fitness levels a sense of achievement and accomplishment.
Invictus Australia will provide 10 x free tickets per event for members of Team Veteran powered by Invictus Australia, then a 10% discount for additional team members. Invictus Australia local Engagement Manager Hannah Laws will be your point of contact on the day. This opportunity is open to Australian veterans – former & current serving.
Email us at support@invictusaustralia.org to register your interest.
South Australia’s spree of sport!
Whatever your jam, there’s sure to be something to interest you in SA this Veterans’ Health Week with an absolute banquet of sport on offer.
From saltwater therapy at Middleton Beach with multiple sessions of Surf & Serenity with a Surfers Journey, to a swim program, activation on RAAF Edinburgh and of course, local parkruns, the choice is yours.
Nowra – Dragon Boating, parkrun and yoga
Thanks to one of our newest National Sporting Partners at Australian Dragon Boat Federation, we have a Come & Try event taking place in Nowra #VHW. Other events you’ll find in the area include yoga and parkrun.
parkruns galore!
It wouldn’t be Veteran’s Health Week if we didn’t mention our partners at parkrun! We’re once again promoting Team Veteran – an inclusive national walking and running group for the veteran community, families, friends and supporters. parkrun takes place at over 400 locations around Australia, every Saturday morning.
Hundreds of veterans and their families already participate in parkruns across Australia every weekend. This has led to the creation of the Team Veteran parkrun Group, which any veteran or family member can choose to join once they have registered with parkrun using this link. We’ve got dedicated staff this year in Melbourne, Nowra & Maitland (NSW), Toowoomba & Springfield (QLD), Mawson Lakes & Victor Harbour (SA) and Lake Joondalup & Lake Claremont (WA). Find out more details at our events page, and join the team!
Have a Row this VHW!
Indoor rowing is a wonderful sport for all as it’s adaptive, inclusive and fun, especially when you do it with others.
We have an event at the Rockville Club House in South East QLD on the 9th October, as well as our ongoing online accredited Riggers Coaching Course, in partnership with Rowing Australia. All the details can be found here.
With other events around the country including volleyball, archery, come & try days, equine therapy, bowls, PT sessions an more, we look forward to getting active & connected with you this Veteran’s Health Week.
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