This evening, the Assistant Minister for Home Affairs, Senator Linda Reynolds had the privilege of welcoming the Australian Invictus Games 2018 team to Sydney, before the opening ceremony this Saturday.

The Games are an international multi-sport competition for serving and former military personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill during their service. Sydney is hosting 500 competitors, their family and friends from 20 to 27 October, 2018 with events being held across Greater Sydney, including Sydney Olympic Park and Sydney Harbour.

Assistant Minister Reynolds said she was honoured to welcome the 72 outstanding athletes who make up Australia's team this year, addressing them on behalf of the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and the Commonwealth Government.

"The competitors we have in the room tonight represent values such as courage, determination and resilience," she said. "Preparing for these games reminds competitors that they are not defined by their disability – rather they draw strength from it, and by being here today they have already won."

"The Invictus Games use the power of sport and mateship to motivate recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served."

In closing, Assistant Minister Reynolds noted how proud Australians should be of the competitors who are participating in the games this month.

"No one who serves, ever serves alone and in keeping with the spirit of the games, it's fitting that family and friends are able to be here to support these competitors too," she said.

Assistant Minister Reynolds also presented the Australian Defence Medal to Matthew Brumby, who this year is co-captaining the Australian team, alongside Nicole Bradley.