14 September 2023
They say Aussies are a charitable bunch but travelling 16,700 kilometres across the globe to volunteer your time is next level.
That’s exactly what Tasmania’s Fiona Viney and a handful of fellow Australians have done, to be counted as part of the 1200-strong band of Invictus Games volunteers in Düsseldorf.
Fiona was inspired to give back through her own father’s military service.
“My father was in the military – in the Navy – and in World War 2,” she said.
“I feel like my father didn’t speak about anything. I think now we’re a lot more open and accepting and we do talk about things like that, so I felt like I wanted to give something back, for him.”
Giving back through the Invictus Games is a journey Fiona has been on for a while.
Initially signing up for the Invictus Games Sydney Games 2018 and missing out on a place, Fiona thought she’d try for the 2020 Games at The Hague, which were eventually held last year due to COVID.
She landed the gig in the Netherlands Games and had a ball.
“I remember last year a competitor in the indoor rowing; they rowed and were so spent that they had to lie on the floor for half an hour,” she said.
“When they got up I thought, ‘that is just fantastic’.”
The Invictus Games offers something to everyone in attendance - stories of perseverance, strength, resilience.
Both heartbreaking and heart-warming, competitors' stories demonstrate the “unconquered” motto, physically, mentally and emotionally.
But there’s another angle for the army of volunteers. It’s a feeling of family and a place to connect with others who have had similar experiences.
“On the flip side of it, the volunteers I’ve met are a draw that has brought me back as well,” Fiona said.
“I made a really good friend at The Hague and she invited me to stay a while when I’m here, so I’ve made that contact.
“Australians, people from Canada, people from the US, it’s the volunteer side as well as the competitors.
“And the family and friends who come along as well. It really is an Invictus Games family.”
Fiona is flying the Aussie flag at the Games along with Kaye Mongan, who is racking up her third Invictus Games, Mark Beard and Sue Gibson.
Read more about Team Australia at www.defence.gov.au/invictusgames
