Invictus Games flag-bearer ‘over the moon’

Lenny Redrose has been announced as Team Australia’s flag-bearer for Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023.

CAPTION: Lenny Redrose has been named Team Australia’s flag-bearer for the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 opening ceremony. Story by Belinda Barker. Photos by Flight Sergeant Ricky Fuller.

The self-proclaimed “smiling cripple” was announced at a sparkling farewell reception last night at Admiralty House, by Governor-General General (retd) David Hurley and his wife, Linda Hurley.

“I’m over the moon; what a surprise,” the former Australian Army private said after the announcement.

It will be the second Games for Mr Redrose, who was also part of the Australian contingent at Invictus Games The Hague 2020, which was held in 2023 after being impacted by COVID-19.

This history means Mr Redrose knows the size of the task he and his 30 teammates are about to embark on.

“I’m very honoured; very, very lucky to carry Australia’s flag down the ramp at Dusseldorf,” the 37-year-old said.

“I was there last year, so I kind of know what to expect.

“I know how big it’s going to be this year, which is even more overwhelming.

“It’s been a lot of training to this point. It’s been a short and sharp Invictus turnaround this year from the last Games, but we’re ready.”

The Invictus Games is an international, adaptive multi-sports competition for serving and former military personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill during their military service.

CAPTION: Team Australia Invictus Games athletes during the flag-bearer announcement at Admiralty House.

About 500 serving and former serving personnel from 21 nations will battle it out from 9 to 16 September in individual and team sports, including archery, athletics, indoor rowing, powerlifting, cycling, sitting volleyball, table tennis, swimming, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby.

A keen Invictus Games supporter, General Hurley wished the competitors all the best, lamenting that he and Mrs Hurley couldn’t be at the event on the other side of the world.

“I can’t think of a greater thing to be able to do than put on a sporting uniform and go and represent your country,” General Hurley said.

“It’s not necessarily about the results, we know that with Invictus, it’s the demonstration of the will of people … how you can overcome adversity, be there with a smile and give your best.

“I’m so proud of what you’ve achieved to date and what you’ll do for us in the next couple of weeks.”

According to Mr Redrose, with a team culture embedded in mateship and helping out teammates and other competitors, Team Australia is ready for a good time in Dusseldorf.

“The Germans do love to have a really good party so I think it’s going to be awesome,” he said.

Learn more about the competitors at www.defence.gov.au/invictusgames

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