Senator Tony Loffreda was in British Columbia earlier this month to attend the Invictus Games and support our Canadian athletes and veterans.  He wrote about his experience in his most recent monthly column – a moving piece in which he honours and celebrates these brave men and women in uniform who were wounded defending peace and freedom. 

For nine days, Canada was host to some of the bravest athletes the world has ever seen as Vancouver-Whistler hosted the 7^th Invictus Games.

Founded by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, the Invictus Games celebrate the resiliency, perseverance and sheer determination of injured and sick service personnel and veterans.  They are essentially a small-scale version of the Olympic Games for the valiant men and women who have served their country with dignity and who have been wounded, physically, psychologically, or otherwise.

More than 500 athletes from 23 nations competed in eleven adaptive sports in British Columbia earlier this month and, for the first time in its young history, the Games held winter sport competitions including alpine skiing, snowboarding and skeleton.

I had the pleasure of attending the Opening and Closing Ceremonies as well as a few competitions, including the finals of the wheelchair rugby where France came from behind to capture gold against the United Kingdom.  Seated next to Prince Harry and two-time Rugby World Cup winner, New Zealander Richie McCaw, it was a high-intensity affair that had everyone on the edge of their seats.

With a star-studded lineup of international music acts, the Opening and Closing Ceremonies were uplifting gatherings where the competitors, their coaches and support staff took centre stage.  And rightfully so! 

To no surprise, as the athletes paraded into BC Place, Team Canada received the loudest cheers.  It was truly electrifying to hear the crowd and feel the rumble as thousands were waving the Canadian flag which, incidentally, just turned 60 years old this month.

Another moving moment during the ceremony was the roar of the crowd generated by the Ukrainian delegation as it entered the stadium.  Three years into Russia’s shameful and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the Canadian people continue to firmly stand behind Ukraine and it was on full display during the Games.

Canada’s True Patriot Love Foundation is a proud founding partner of the Games and the largest funder of Team Canada.  At the heart of Canada’s military community, True Patriot Love is an important partner and advocate for Canada’s military community and funds various programs that support military members, veterans and their families through mental health, rehabilitation, therapeutic arts, and employment programs.

The success of these Games can also be attributed, in great part, to the 1,900 volunteers from 18 different nations as well as the corporate sponsors who recognize the need to celebrate, honour and support our military heroes from around the world who have sacrificed so much.

In his address at the Closing Ceremony, Prince Harry said something that deeply resonated with me.  He promised that the Invictus Games would go on so long as our soldiers and veterans are striving to heal and grow, and so long as there are those around the world who view these heroes with sympathy rather than admiration and respect.

While gracious and well-intentioned, I believe we are too often compelled to feel bad for or pity these wounded individuals. Rather, as Prince Harry observed, these athletes deserve our admiration, not our sympathy.  After spending more than a week among them, I can firmly say that they have all my admiration and respect.

And above all, they have my deepest appreciation for they have chosen to wear the uniform and defend the values of peace, prosperity, and security.  The journey that led these athletes to Vancouver may have been a struggle, but the legacy they leave behind is one of inspiration.

Indeed, as Prince Harry alluded to during his remarks, these brave men and women have touched the lives of so many and changed them.  As he said, “being a hero, being a role model, it’s not just about resilience, skill, or power. It’s about integrity, compassion, and courage. You give us hope through your healing, through your honesty and through your humanity… You may swear allegiance to different flags, but you stand united in your decency, your compassion, and your spirit of service.”

Thanks to their exceptional strength, courage, and drive, they have overcome adversity and trauma. They are all Invictus! 

Undefeated and unconquered.  Confident and encouraged.  Triumphant and uplifting.

The Honourable Tony Loffreda, Independent Canadian Senator (Québec)