Photo by Yaroslava Matvieienko
From October 20 to October 27, the fourth Invictus games took place in Sydney, Australia. Ukraine took part in the competition for the second time. Recall that Invictus Games are international sports competitions in Paralympic style, which were founded by Queen’s Elizabeth II grandson, Duke of Sussex. The first games were held in 2014 in London, the second were held in Orlando, USA, and the third – last year in Toronto, Canada. In Invictus games wounded soldiers and veterans take part. Invictus in Latin means «invincible, indestructible or unconquered».
The «Journalist» correspondent, who has been a volunteer of this project in Ukraine for the second year in a row, this time, was part of official support team. Therefore, had the opportunity to see this event from the inside, and personally witness how Ukrainian veterans conquered the country Down Under. (Note that Down Under – the colloquial name of the countries of Australia and New Zealand). She shared her impressions with us:
Banal or not, but the statement «It’s better to see once than hear a hundred times» once again confirms its relevance. You can write many times about Invictus games, about the principles and purpose of this project, but in reality it is possible to understand and feel what these Games are about only while personal experience, live.
About support, atmosphere and family
Each of the 18 countries participating in the Games brought with them a powerful assault force of the support group. And although Ukraine had one of the smallest teams in terms of the number of participants, our delegation was the loudest, most visible, and most supportive. After all, our Ukrainian Australians from the diaspora joined us. For a long time, our «Cha-Cha Chalapchi» and «uuuUKrayina» will be heard in the memory of other teams and their relatives, as well as our «Chervona Ruta» and «Glory to Ukraine!».
From the moment of arrival at the Hyatt Hotel, where friends and family of competitors lived, everything was perfectly organized up to the departure of delegations. If some flaws happened, everything was decided according to the local principle «No worries». The large international support family (2 supporters for each of the 500 participating athletes) felt truly at home. The fact that you are in priority; it was felt even in details. If you ask where to buy water – local volunteers are already rushing with a bottle, handing out sunglasses, sun creams and fans, it was impossible to get lost without even knowing English. By the way, among the local volunteers there are a lot of elderly people and people with disabilities.
This is not mentioning free and additional transport for the convenience of movement to the competition location – Olympic Park (40 minutes from the city center by train), free tickets to most tourist attractions, children’s play, photo and lounge areas, competitions and mobile beauty salons, souvenirs and accessories to support teams, almost a 24-hour concert by local musicians at Invictus house.
The atmosphere of relaxation was facilitated by organized yoga and meditation sessions, as well as specially trained Labrador dogs, with whom it was possible to play and just scratch them behind their ears.
During the Games everyone really supports everyone and it is natural that for their own countries support is bigger but this is normal. The feeling of you are among your fellows does not leave you even when the next king of Denmark is behind you in the line for dinner. It should be noted that the impressions of the royal were the most pleasant. Crown Prince Frederick spent three days at the competitions, did not refuse to be photographed, dined with everyone, devoted much of his time to the national team of his country.
This year, for the first time in some sports, awards were presented to the winners by their families or friends, the support team
One of the traditions of the Games is the international exchange of symbols of countries – these are badges, flags, t-shirts and even patches. The real star of Invictus games was Cobber – the official mascot of the competition.
Once you join the project Invictus games, you will forever become part of Invictus family.
About being Invictus
«A new generation – the Invictus generation – is defining what it means to serve. And we are all taking notice. The Invictus generation has chosen to serve their countries in conflicts that are complex and dangerous and far too often this dedication goes unrecognized. They have reminded us all what selfless duty really looks like», said His Royal Highness Duke of Sussex, patron of competitions, at the opening ceremony.
And these seven days once again showed the whole world what is being Invictus in reality means. It is difficult to describe it, because there are not enough words to describe your feeling from what you have seen. When a swimmer starts with only one hand and swims so fast that it makes you feel dizzy, when two participants of the bicycle race help to roll the distance to the third, whose tendons have torn, when those who finished return to support those who have lagged behind, when the participant has severe injuries the spine, as a sign of a successful finish, smokes a huge cigar, when those who have fallen are immediately raised by the caring hands of rivals, when the string is pulled not by hand, but by teeth …
«You are ordinary people doing extraordinary things», better than Duke of Sussex, probably difficult to say.
About … not about medals…
This is perhaps the only thing that we should learn as a result of a certain historical education: to enjoy the moment and the fact of participation in the competition itself. Although sport is a sport: without motivating «first-second-third place» there is no way. But the winners flourish when walking around the Olympic village from everywhere and everyone they hear «Congratulations!» And kids run to touch the medal and take photo. By the way, one of the rules of the Games is that during the award ceremony only one hymn is heard – Invictus games hymn. Much has been written about the number of medals of the Ukrainian national team in details.
From my side I will say that the most valuable medal «for the first place in our hearts» was given to Oleksandr Chalapchii. Oleksandr took part in competitions in five sports, and, unfortunately, did not become a prize winner. Therefore, it was decided to award Oleksandr with a special medal, and this moment was very touching.
The closing ceremony of the Games was more emotional and less formal. Parade of Nations, the lit lights of mobiles as a sign of gratitude and respect to competitors, and after the ceremony there was an international disco and party.
More than Sydney our Invictus team will be missed only by our local Ukrainian community, which accompanied compatriot’s right up to passport control. Thanks to representatives of the diaspora, Ukrainians nearly fifteen thousand kilometers from homeland felt at home. From the moment of their arrival in Australia, the national team, their relatives and friends were surrounded with such care that it was simply impossible to feel like strangers. They have taken us on city tours and to zoos Taronga Zoo and Featherdale Wildlife Park, to shopping and to the ocean, they organized parties and concerts, invited guests and treated us with tasty food, supported during competitions in the stands, made sure that we were not lost, presented gifts, and most important of all – attention and love.
Reception in Ukrainian House in the Sydney suburb of Lidcombe was especially memorable. Immigrants of several generations have long been preparing for this meeting, following and sincerely experiencing the events in Ukraine, knowing the history of each Invictus one. Thus participants of the competition and their support group were like native ones for the Ukrainian Australians. By the way, this year is the 70th anniversary of the settlement of Ukrainians in Australia.
At home, Invictus games team Ukraine was solemnly greeted with flowers and gifts hugs and kisses, the orchestra played. The unforgettable journey is over, but the project and participants are still ahead of their most interesting life events. Because it is already time to prepare for the new Invictus accomplishments.
The fifth Invictus games will take place from May 9 to May 16, 2020, in The Hague, the Netherlands.
Photos and text by Yaroslava Matvieienko
Previously, The «Journalist» reported about how Invictus games team Ukraine is preparing for competitions in Sydney, Australia.
Подписывайтесь на telegram-канал journalist.today
