6,000 students to experience Invictus Games Sydney 2018 this week

Hundreds of school students have been arriving at Sydney Olympic Park for school workshops at the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 presented by Jaguar Land Rover.

A joint initiative of the Department of Education and the Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Education Project was launched back in August and provides high quality curriculum materials and participation experiences to more than 6,000 New South Wales school students, offering them a unique opportunity to learn about inclusivity, mental and physical health, and resilience.

As part of the Education Project, students from 185 primary schools, central schools, secondary schools and schools for specific purposes have the opportunity to attend the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 sporting competitions at Sydney Olympic Park.

The curriculum resources include a range of inquiry tasks, virtual learning experiences and participation opportunities for school students to engage with Invictus Games Sydney 2018. 

For participating schools who are unable to make it to Sydney Olympic Park, Newtown High School of Performing Arts students will host YouTube broadcasts daily during the Games, providing students with a virtual experience.

Secretary of the NSW Department of Education Mark Scott AO said students will be inspired by the spirit of the Invictus Games while receiving valuable life lessons around acceptance and endurance.

“The Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Education Project gives NSW students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe Invictus Games competitors from around the world demonstrate their Invictus spirit, overcoming adversity.

“This experience – coupled with the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Education Project curriculum resources developed by the Department in conjunction with the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 – plays an important role in promoting active citizenship.”

Director of the Australian War Memorial and Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Ambassador Dr Brendan Nelson AO was excited to welcome the first wave of students to Sydney Olympic Park.

“Those competing in these Games are incredible role models, not only in their demonstration of incredible resilience to overcome adversity but in their strength to speak openly about their struggles with mental and physical health and the importance of speaking with your support network,” said Dr Nelson.

“I have no doubt their unconquered spirit provide will provide inspiration to the students engaged in this Education Project both those here at Sydney Olympic Park this week and all those who will engage with the curriculum online long term.”

Former competitor Rachel Kerrigan, from Team Australia at the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 highlighted the positive impact of sport and involvement in the Invictus Games and how this will inspire new generations of children.

“Sport is for everyone – there are so many avenues and options and sports available to all people,” she said. “The Invictus Games Sydney 2018 will highlight some amazing stories of courage, determination and the strength of the human spirit. I urge everyone to find a sport to participate in and make the most of their future.”

The Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Education Project will include workshops hosted by Wheelchair Sports NSW, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Assistance Dogs Australia and the Department’s STEMShare Communities team.

In addition to the Education Project, commercial partners of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 continue to promote their readiness to deliver opportunities. Earlier this year, Premier Partner of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 UNSW Canberra announced a scholarship solely for veterans.

The UNSW Veterans Scholarship will, through the power of education, support former and current Australian Defence Force personnel wanting to transition out of the military into a new career. The scholarship applies to both graduate and post-graduate courses and can be taken at any UNSW campus, or online.

“When we talk about people transitioning from military life to civilian life, we tend to think about a change in lifestyle, rather than employment. Education is often missing from the conversation, and we hope to change that,” said UNSW Canberra Rector Michael Frater.