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Clearinghouse for Sport
The information and knowledge sharing platform for Australian sport

Australian Veterans and Sport

Sport has a strong connection to Australia’s military. The teamwork, competitive, and physical aspects of many sports have been considered a useful and enjoyable addition to training, as well as the comfort and connection of playing sports from home while overseas. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Sport can also support the physical, mental and social wellbeing of all veterans and contribute to the rehabilitation of those injured during service. 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

While existing research identifies potential benefits, facilitators, barriers, good practice policies and programs for veterans’ sport, each veteran is unique. Every veteran's background and perspectives will impact how they experience and respond to specific events. There remains a need for more high-quality research and coordination of programs to understand and maximise the benefits of sport for all. 8, 11, 12

In 2021, 581,000 Australians had served (496,000) or were serving (60,300 in the regular service and 24,600 in the reserves) in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The majority of current and former ADF members were male (86%). 13

Definition

In line with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) we have defined veterans as current or ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including both permanent members and Reservists. Non-veterans are those who have never served in the ADF. 13, 14

Key Health Statistics

Two hands holding a heart

Veterans who are currently serving, whether full time or reservists, tend to have better overall physical, mental, and social wellbeing than those who are no longer actively serving, or have never served in the ADF. 13, 15, 16

Multiple people arranged in circles with lines connecting them

In 2021-22, Australian veterans experienced similar or better social connectedness than the broader Australian population. However, veterans in poor physical or mental health were at higher risk of issues with social connectedness than other veterans. 18

A metal whistle

In 2021-22, 19% of veterans volunteered and 40% were active members of clubs or associations. These rates were higher than those who had never served in the ADF (14% and 29%). Some subgroups of veterans had especially high rates of volunteering and club membership. 18

Person with their head down

Veterans who involuntarily separate or transition from the ADF, especially for medical reasons (around 1 in 5), are more likely to have negative health and wellbeing, including lower physical, social, and mental wellbeing, educational achievement, and workforce engagement. 13, 16, 17

A person sitting on the ground with their head lowered

In 2018 nearly 46% of transitioned ADF members were estimated to have had a mental disorder in the previous 12 months. 25% were estimated to meet the criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and just over 20% had experienced suicidal ideation, plans or attempts, with 2% having attempted suicide. 17

A person sitting on the ground with their head lowered, with a cloud above symbolising distress.

In 2018, 33% of transitioned ADF members experienced very high levels of psychological distress compared to 13% of the broader Australian community. 17

History

  • Timeline of events

    A brief timeline of key international and Australian events related to sport in the lives of veterans.

Benefits

Many of the benefits of participation in sport and physical activity for veterans are consistent with those experienced by the broader population, including benefits to physical, mental, and social wellbeing and employment. 8, 25, 26

Sports organisations can also benefit from engaging with veterans as they are often well educated, trained in organisational and leadership skills, and interested in volunteering and being active members of clubs and associations. In 2021-22, 19% of veterans volunteered and 40% were active members of clubs or associations, compared to those who had never served in the ADF (14% and 29% respectively). Some subgroups of veterans had especially high rates of volunteering and club membership (including veterans with disability and those not in the labour force). 16, 18, 26

  • Health and wellbeing

    Health and wellbeing

    Sport—particularly team-based—can support resilience and mental health, social connectedness, and the likelihood of continuing physical activity long term.
  • Identity

    Identity

    Sport and physical activity programs can help veterans to develop new, post-service and/or injury identities.

Motivators

Some factors have been identified as important reasons for veterans to want to participate in sport and physical activity.

A heart shape with an electrocardiogram (ECG) line running through the centre

Increasing health and fitness (including injury rehabilitation and improving physical function). 45. 53. 54

Two people performing a high five

Reconnecting with previous military life and/or an environment that feels similar (e.g. teamwork, challenge, competition). 45, 49

A person running through a circular shape with another person following behind

Seeing other veterans being role models and wanting to inspire others as well. 45

Facilitators and Barriers

  • Facilitators

    Facilitators

    What encourages veterans to take part in sport.
  • Barriers

    Barriers

    What holds veterans back from participating in sport.

Policies, procedures, and supporting structures

Australian agencies and programs that support veterans' wellbeing including participation in sport, active recreation, and physical activity.

Programs

The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), opens in a new tab works to support those who serve or have served in the defence of our nation and commemorate their service and sacrifice.

Programs

Strategies

  • Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2024 Exposure Draft,, opens in a new tab Australian Government, Department of Defence and Department of Veterans' Affairs, (December 2024). Defence and DVA have been working together to develop a new joint Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2024-2029. The strategy aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the Defence and veteran community. The strategy sets out the joint approach of the Department of Defence (Defence) and Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) over the next five years to promoting and supporting wellbeing, through early intervention and prevention, timely access to care and support, and a positive and connected community, while focussing on suicide prevention, and using data to drive positive outcomes. Consultation on the Exposure Draft will close at 5:00 pm Friday 7 March 2025.
  • Defence and Veteran Family Wellbeing Strategy and First Action Plan,, opens in a new tab Australian Government, Department of Defence and Department of Veterans' Affairs, (December 2024). Over the next 5 years, this Strategy will guide how the Department of Defence (Defence) and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) provide targeted support to Defence and veteran families. The Strategy outlines how families will be supported, reaffirms a commitment to understanding their needs, and prioritises stronger engagement and ongoing support to enhance their wellbeing. The First Action Plan outlines the actions that Defence and DVA will initially take to achieve the Strategy’s objectives. Defence and DVA will update the Action Plan as actions progress, with the most current version available here.

Reports

  • Rapid Evidence Assessment to identify strategies to support and sustain healthy behaviour as part of active ageing in Australian veterans: Summary Report,, opens in a new tab N Warren, B Barbosa Neves, K Hutton Burns, et al., Monash University, Australian Government, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, (February 2022). Findings suggest that successful and healthy ageing interventions should be informed by a set of core priorities, namely: 1) address social isolation and loneliness, 2) promote movement and physical exercise, 3) cognitive functioning, 4) quality of life and wellbeing, 5) consider veteran identity, and 6) reduce risk behaviours and mitigate risk factors.
  • Active Choices: A ‘stepped-down’ program to promote self-managed physical activity in DVA clients: Summary Report,, opens in a new tab Nicholas Gilson, University of Queensland, Australian Government, Department of Veterans' Affairs, (December 2021). Self-managing physical activity can be challenging and programs that help DVA clients to manage their own physical activity regimes are needed. This project developed and trialled a new physical activity support program for DVA clients called Active Choices. The Active Choices program is based on a strong theoretical framework and incorporates evidence based BCTs to support clients as they transition to self-managed PA.
  • ‘Stepped-down’ Intervention Programs to Promote Self-managed Physical Activity in Service Veterans and their Dependants: Summary of the Rapid Evidence Assessment,, opens in a new tab Gilson ND, Papinczak ZE, Mielke GI, et al., University of Queensland, Australian Government, Department of Veterans' Affairs, (November 2019). The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was to: 1) examine the scientific literature for evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to promote self-managed physical activity in service veterans and/or their dependants; 2) assess studies that compared the effectiveness of ‘stepped-down’ models of PA self-management to ‘usual care’ controls and; 3) identify key behaviour change techniques that have been used in these studies to successfully promote physical activity change.
  • Mental Health Prevalence, Mental Health and Wellbeing Transition Study,, opens in a new tab Van Hooff M, Lawrence-Wood E, Hodson S, et al., Department of Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, (2018). This report investigates the prevalence of 12-month and lifetime mental disorders, trauma exposure, suicidal ideation and self-reported mental health symptoms among Transitioned ADF members. Comparisons are also made between the self-reported mental health symptoms in Transitioned ADF with 2015 Regular ADF members and where possible, with the Australian Community.
  • Physical Health Status Summary Report, Mental Health and Wellbeing Study,, opens in a new tab Kelsall, H., Sim, M., Van Hooff, M., et al., Australian Government, Department of Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, (2018). This Physical Health Status Study compared the self-reported physical health of Transitioned ADF members who had transitioned out of full-time regular service in the five years between January 2010 and December 2014 with that of Regular ADF members in 2015, using general health indicators as well as indicators relevant to several body systems. Overall, Transitioned ADF members were more likely to report poorer physical health, to have increased lifestyle risk factors, and to report poorer self-perceived health, satisfaction and quality of life than 2015 Regular ADF. Among the Transitioned ADF, poorer physical health outcomes overall were reported for DVA clients compared with those who were not DVA clients, for Ex-Serving members compared with Active Reservists or Inactive Reservists, and for those who had been medically discharged compared with those who had been discharged for other reasons.
  • What are the physical and mental wellbeing benefits veterans achieve through participating in sporting activities? A Rapid Evidence Assessment: Summary Report,, opens in a new tab Milanese, S, Crocker, M, Ransom, M, et al., Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs, (2018). The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was to examine the evidence to investigate the physical and mental wellbeing benefits veterans achieve through participating in sporting activities and whether these benefits are linked to the type of sporting activity being undertaken. Reflecting the broad definition used in this review, the sporting activity interventions featured in this review fell into six categories: structured competitive sport; supervised aerobic exercise; supervised mind body exercise; supervised combined aerobic and anaerobic exercise; unmonitored unsupervised physical activity and structured recreational physical activity.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), opens in a new tab is an independent statutory Australian Government agency producing authoritative and accessible information and statistics to inform and support better policy and service delivery decisions, leading to better health and wellbeing for all Australians.

  • AIHW-DVA strategic partnership., opens in a new tab In 2017 the DVA and the AIHW established a strategic partnership to develop a comprehensive profile of the health and welfare of Australia’s veteran population. The AIHW continues to take a coordinated, whole of-population approach to monitoring and reporting on health and welfare outcomes of veterans and their families, in support of and to inform DVA’s strategic, research, data and policy needs.

Reports

  • Health of veterans,, opens in a new tab (31 October 2024). While good health is a requirement for joining the Australian Defence Force, the experience of military service means current and ex-serving ADF members may have different health challenges compared to other Australians.
  • Serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members who have served since 1985: suicide monitoring 1997 to 2022,, opens in a new tab (24 September 2024). This report is the seventh annual update monitoring suicides among permanent, reserve and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members. The population of ADF members under consideration are those who served between 1985 and 2022. Permanent and reserve male ADF members die by suicide at about half the rate of Australians of similar age, while ex-serving male ADF members have a higher rate than Australian males.
  • Veterans' use of alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes and other drugs,, opens in a new tab (30 August 2024). This article examines Australian Defence Force veterans’ use of alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes and other drugs, using the 2022–2023 National Drug Strategy Household Survey.
  • Characteristics of ex-serving Australian Defence Force members hospitalised for suicidality and intentional self-harm,, opens in a new tab (31 July 2024). This is the first report using a newly established data set on the health service use of ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members. It examines the characteristics of hospitalised ex-serving members to better understand their hospital care needs, particularly for conditions associated with suicidal behaviour, including mental health-related care and intentional self-harm.
  • Ex-serving ADF members' income and sources of income,, opens in a new tab (6 March 2024). Using linked data, this report investigates the income circumstances of ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members. The analysis expands information on the veteran-centred model's income and finance domain, as part of an ongoing body of work in partnership with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. This report is based on ex-serving ADF members who had at least one day of service on or after 1 January 2001 and uses multiple data sources to inform income outcomes.
  • Veteran social connectedness,, opens in a new tab (26 October 2023). This report presents key insights into the social connectedness of Australians who have ever served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), using data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey. The analysis expands information on the Social Support domain of the AIHW's Veteran-centred model, and forms part of an ongoing body of work in partnership with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). It aims to explore both risk and protective factors for social isolation, loneliness, and poor community participation among Australia’s veterans, as well as how these compare with people who have never served in the ADF.
  • Socioeconomic characteristics of ex-serving ADF members who died by suicide,, opens in a new tab (11 October 2022). Suicide by ADF members, like suicide in the Australian population, is an ongoing and complex public health issue. Ex-serving ADF members as a population group are at increased risk of suicide (AIHW 2021a, 2021b). This report investigates socioeconomic characteristics for ex-serving ADF males with at least one day of service since 1 January 2001 in relation to deaths by suicide between 9 August 2011 and 31 December 2018. This analysis was prepared for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide for their interim report that was published 11 August 2022.
  • Understanding the wellbeing characteristics of ex-serving ADF members,, opens in a new tab (1 September 2022). The nature of military service makes understanding the wellbeing of those who have served of vital importance. This report examines wellbeing outcomes such as employment status, income, education qualifications, housing circumstances, and social support for ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families. Using linked data, this report expands information on the Veteran-centred model as part of an ongoing body of work in partnership with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. This report is based on ex-serving ADF members who had served at least one day of service on or after 1 January 2001 and were ex-serving as of 31 December 2015 and uses the 2016 Census data as the primary source of data to inform wellbeing outcomes.
  • Full list of AIHW reports, opens in a new tab relating to Australian veterans.

Invictus Australia, opens in a new tab is owned and operated by Australian International Military Games, the not-for-profit responsible for organising the Sydney 2018 Invictus Games and licensed from the Invictus Games Foundation. They carry on the legacy of the Games in local communities, as all veterans and their families can benefit from involvement with sporting communities, particularly ‘at risk’ veterans. As well as promoting the physical, social, and emotional benefits of sport, Invictus Australia highlight the unique needs of younger veterans and the challenges they face as they transition from military to civilian life.

Programs

Sporting Opportunities., opens in a new tab Invictus Australia partner with sporting organisations to deliver opportunities for veterans and their families across sport at a local level. They also work on programs, initiatives, and offers to encourage the Australian Defence community to become involved – and stay involved – with sport.

  • Current sports include adventure activities, archery, biathlon, bowls, cycling, dragon boat, esports, indoor rowing, pickleball, rugby league, rugby union, running and walking, sailing, surf life saving, surfing, table tennis, water polo, wheelchair sports, and yoga.
  • Team Veteran., opens in a new tab Brings together veterans and their families from all over Australia into local, supportive sporting communities. Originally starting as a running group for veterans has expanded to include all veterans, family members and anyone in the community wanting to show their support, including other ex-service organisations (ESOs). Team Veteran now enters teams in multiple sporting and recreational events around Australia, including True Grit military-inspired obstacle events, Dragon Boating, pickleball, the Pan Pacs and more.

Adaptive Sport Program., opens in a new tab working with the Australian Defence Force to deliver the national Program for veterans who are wounded, injured, or ill – including supporting the Australian Invictus Games and Warrior Games teams. Invictus Australia is responsible for the former serving contingent.

Case studies., opens in a new tab Be inspired by stories of the unconquered human spirit.

Volunteering partnership., opens in a new tab In September 2024 Invictus Australia and Volunteering Australia announced a strategic partnership to enhance community connections for veterans and their families through volunteering. within sporting organisations across the country.

Open Arms, opens in a new tab provides mental health and wellbeing support to anyone who has served at least one day of continuous fulltime service in the ADF and their immediate families. They offer a range of services to current serving, transitioning, ex-serving members, partners, children, parents, and siblings of veterans. Provides some general information on the benefits of exercise, physical activity, and social activities.

Soldier On, opens in a new tab is a not-for-profit organisation delivering holistic support services that enable current and former Australian Defence Force personnel and their families to lead meaningful civilian lives. Includes support for health and wellbeing, employment, learning and education, participation and connection.

RSL Active, opens in a new tab. Recreation, events and activities for veterans and their families. Programs and events are created for the veteran community to help connect with other veterans, improve physical and mental well-being and enhance their support circle. There are regular RSL Active events held through RSL sub-branches across Australia, as well as large-scale national events, virtual RSL Active Strava Clubs. Veterans can connect with their RSL State Branch to see a list of activities taking place in their state. You do not need to be an RSL member to participate in RSL Active.

All-Veterans Wellness Toolbox, opens in a new tab, RSL Active and the Resilience Shield, (2024). A series of short videos created by veterans for veterans to provide insights into how they can assess and build their resilience. The Resilience Shield model was developed by Dr Dan Pronk, Ben Pronk, and Tim Curtis, all of whom are Australian SAS veterans with combat experience in theatres, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Sierra Leone, and Timor Leste. Their service experience furnished them with an understanding of leadership under pressure and drove a deep desire to understand exactly what resilience was and how it could be developed and improved in individuals and organisations. In this video series, they share the important things that we can do to maintain our health and wellbeing and become more resilient every day.

A group of veterans helping someone up a wall

  • State and Territory

    State and territory organisations supporting veterans' wellbeing through sport and recreation.

  • Sport and Physical Activity

    Australian programs that support veterans' wellbeing through participation and community engagement in sport and physical activity.

Events

Invictus Australia offers a calendar of upcoming events, opens in a new tab across the country, while RSL Active, opens in a new tab provides links to national and state-based programs and activities.

The Invictus Games, opens in a new tab are an international multi-sport event for wounded, injured and ill servicemen and women, both current and former serving personnel. The Games focus on adaptive sports and have been held globally since their inception in 2014 by the Duke of Sussex.

Team Australia, opens in a new tab is delivered by the Australian Defence Force in partnership with Invictus Australia.

Invictus Games Sydney 2018

The 2018 Invictus Games, opens in a new tab were held in Sydney, Australia.

The event hosted 491 competitors and 1,000 family and friends from 18 nations from 20-27 October. The Games featured medal competition in 11 sports alongside golf and wheelchair tennis with events held across Greater Sydney, including Sydney Olympic Park and Sydney Harbour.

An important outcome of hosting the Games was the creation of Invictus Australia (originally Veterans Sport Australia) to carry on the legacy of the Games every day in local communities.

Invictus Australia, opens in a new tab is the first legacy organisation to be officially licensed by the Invictus Games Foundation. They promote the physical, social and emotional benefits of sport, as well as shine a light on the unique needs of younger veterans and the challenges they face as they transition from military to civilian life.

The Warrior Games, opens in a new tab is a multi-sport event organised by the United States Department of Defense (DoD). It is for wounded, injured or ill service men and women, for current and former serving personnel. The Warrior Games inspired the creation of the Invictus Games.

Team Australia, opens in a new tab has a standing invitation to attend the Warrior Games in years where there is no Invictus Games.

Further Reading and Resources

REFERENCES
  1. ‘Sport was the centre of my memories’: the performance of sport in Australia’s Asian garrisons,, opens in a new tab Sean Brawley, Mathew Radcliffe, Sport in History, Volume 40(1), pp.28-55, (2020).
  2. Values-Based Sport Programs and Their Impact on Team Success: The Competitive Sport Model at the United States Military Academy,, opens in a new tab Ralph Pim, International Sport Coaching Journal, Volume 3(3), pp.307-315, (2016).
  3. Sustained positive behaviour change of wounded, injured and sick UK military following an adaptive adventure sports and health coaching recovery course,, opens in a new tab Sutton RJ, Kay CWP, McKenna J, et al., BMJ Military Health, Volume 169(6), pp.499-504, (2023).
  4. Sport and Australian military life,, opens in a new tab Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Anzac Portal, (November 2021).
  5. War, Sport and the Anzac Tradition,, opens in a new tab Kevin Blackburn, Springer, (2016).
  6. The Contribution of Sport in the Rehabilitation Process of Disabled Military Veterans: A Case Study of the 2016 Invictus Games,, opens in a new tab Ian Brittain, Kyle Bunds, Jason Bocarro, Journal of Global Sport Management, Volume 9(1), pp.62-85, (2024).
  7. Female Veterans' Involvement in Outdoor Sports and Recreation: A Theoretical Sample of Recreation Opportunity Structures,, opens in a new tab Neil Lundberg, Stacy Taniguchi, Rachel McGovern, et al., Journal of Leisure Research, Volume 48(5), pp.413-430, (2016).
  8. Adaptive sport programs for Australian Defence Force veterans,, opens in a new tab Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee, Parliament of Australia, (May 2023).
  9. What are the physical and mental wellbeing benefits veterans achieve through participating in sporting activities? A Rapid Evidence Assessment: Summary Report,, opens in a new tab Milanese, S, Crocker, M, Ransom, M, et al., for the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs, (2018).
  10. Extreme sport as an intervention for physically injured military veterans: the example of competitive motorsport,, opens in a new tab Danai Serfioti, Nigel Hunt, Disability and Rehabilitation, Volume 44(24), pp.7566-7574, (2022).
  11. Beyond The Finish Line: Research report,, opens in a new tab Celina H. Shirazipour, Emily Mayhew, Jessica Capaldi, et al., Invictus Games Foundation, Forces of Mind Trust, (May 2024).
  12. ‘Stepped-down’ Intervention Programs to Promote Self-managed Physical Activity in Service Veterans and their Dependants: Summary of the Rapid Evidence Assessment,, opens in a new tab Gilson ND, Papinczak ZE, Mielke GI, et al., University of Queensland for the Australian Government, Department of Veterans' Affairs, (November 2019).
  13. Health of veterans,, opens in a new tab Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), (updated 31 October 2024).
  14. Our purpose,, opens in a new tab Australian Government, Department of Vetarans’ Affairs (DVA), (updated 6 June 2025).
  15. Physical Health Status Summary Report, Mental Health and Wellbeing Study,, opens in a new tab Kelsall, H., Sim, M., Van Hooff, M., et al., Australian Government, Department of Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, (2018).
  16. Understanding the wellbeing characteristics of ex-serving ADF members,, opens in a new tab Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), (updated 1 September 2022).
  17. Mental Health Prevalence, Mental Health and Wellbeing Transition Study,, opens in a new tab Van Hooff M, Lawrence-Wood E, Hodson S, et al., the Department of Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, (2018).
  18. Veteran social connectedness,, opens in a new tab Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), (updated 26 October 2023).
  19. Fit for purpose: Australia’s National Fitness Campaign,, opens in a new tab Julie Collins and Peter Lekkas, Medical Journal of Australia, (2011).
  20. Paralympics History,, opens in a new tab International Paralympic Committee, (accessed 27 August 2025).
  21. Aims and origins,, opens in a new tab Invictus Games Foundation, (accessed 27 August 2025).
  22. Invictus Games Sydney 2018,, opens in a new tab Invictus Games Foundation, (accessed 27 August 2025).
  23. About us,, opens in a new tab Veterans Sport Australia, (archived website, 12 March 2020).
  24. Invictus Australia Launch Event - YouTube,, opens in a new tab Invictus Australia, YouTube, (28 October 2021).
  25. Rapid Evidence Assessment to identify strategies to support and sustain healthy behaviour as part of active ageing in Australian veterans: Summary Report,, opens in a new tab N Warren, B Barbosa Neves, K Hutton Burns, et al., Monash University for the Australian Government, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, (February 2022).
  26. Qualitative Analysis of a Supervised Exercise Program for Older Veterans With PTSD,, opens in a new tab Julia Browne, Alyssa Medenblik, Michelle Pebole, et al., The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, Volume 29(6), pp.565-572, (June 2021).
  27. Association Between Adaptive Sports Programs and Quality of Life Among Amputee Veterans, opens in a new tab [Ph.D. thesis], Seay, Sean V., Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies, 4755, (2018).
  28. The impact of sport and physical activity on the well-being of combat veterans: A systematic review,, opens in a new tab Nick Caddick, Brett Smith, Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Volume 15(1), pp.9-18, (January 2014).
  29. Investigation of the Impact of Sports, Exercise, and Recreation Participation on Psychosocial Outcomes in a Population of Veterans with Disabilities: A Cross-sectional Study,, opens in a new tab Laferrier, Justin; Teodorski, Emily; Cooper, Rory A., American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Volume 94(12), pp.1026-1034, (December 2015).
  30. Physical Activity Participation, Quality of Life, and Behavioral Health Disorders for Veterans with PTSD,, opens in a new tab McDonagh, Krista; Bennett, Jessie; Geden, Sarah, Therapeutic Recreation Journal, Volume 58(1), pp.96-114, (2024).
  31. The physical, psychological, and social impacts of participation in the Invictus Pathways Program: A qualitative analysis of veterans’ perceptions and experiences,, opens in a new tab Dannielle Post, Amy Baker, Steven Milanese, et al., PLOS One, (October 2023).
  32. Active Choices: A ‘stepped-down’ program to promote self-managed physical activity in DVA clients: Summary Report,, opens in a new tab Nicholas Gilson, University of Queensland for the Australian Government, Department of Veterans' Affairs, (December 2021).
  33. The National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic: Change and duration of psychological outcomes,, opens in a new tab Kristen Walter, Nicholas Otis, A.C. Del Re, et al., Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Volume 55, 101939, (July 2021).
  34. ‘More Important Than Winning’: a Retrospective Online Research Survey Evaluating the Effects of Participating in an Adaptive Sports Program for Wounded, Injured and Ill Australian Defence Force Veterans,, opens in a new tab Lewis, A. Journal of Military and Veterans’ Health. Volume 30(3), (July 2022).
  35. Self-Representations of Military Veterans Suffering From Chronic Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: The Role of Sport,, opens in a new tab Celia Belrose, Anais Duffaud, Dominique Levy, et al., Frontiers in Psychiatry, Volume 12, (November 2021).
  36. Acute influence of an adaptive sporting event on quality of life in veterans with disabilities,, opens in a new tab Alexis Sidiropoulos, Jonathan Glasberg, Timothy Moore, et al., PLOS One, (November 2022).
  37. Outdoor recreational activity experiences improve psychological wellbeing of military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: Positive findings from a pilot study and a randomised controlled trial,, opens in a new tab Mark Wheeler, Nicholas Cooper, Leanne Andrews, et al., PLOS One, (November 2020).
  38. Can scuba diving offer therapeutic benefit to military veterans experiencing physical and psychological injuries as a result of combat? A service evaluation of Deptherapy UK,, opens in a new tab Alice Morgan, Harriet Sinclair, Alexander Tan, et al, Disability and Rehabilitation, Volume 41(23), pp.2832-2840, (2019).
  39. The Impact of Ocean Therapy on Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Final Technical Report and Summary,, opens in a new tab Russell Crawford, Operation Surf, (2018).
  40. Perception of Employment by the Veterans Participating in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games: A Survey Study,, opens in a new tab William Kim, Leah Lee, Daniel Lans, et al., PM&R, Volume 10(3), pp.263-268, (March 2018).
  41. The Effects of the Warrior Transition Unit’s Physical Activity Program on Affect of Wounded Military Personnel,, opens in a new tab Gwan Yon Hwang; Davis, Ron; Driver, Simon, Palaestra, Volume 32(1), pp.9-14, (2018).
  42. Changes in Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines After Discharge From the Military,, opens in a new tab Alyson Littman, Isabel Jacobson, Edward Boyko, et al., Journal of Physical Activity and Health, Volume 12(5), pp.666-674, (2015).
  43. The Effects of Surfing and the Natural Environment on the Well-Being of Combat Veterans,, opens in a new tab Nick Caddick, Brett Smith, Cassandra Phoenix, Qualitative Health Research, Volume 25(1), pp.76-86, (2015).
  44. Enhancing the well-being of veterans using extended group-based nature recreation experiences,, opens in a new tab Jason Duvall, Rachel Kaplan, Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, Volume 51(5), pp.685-696, (2014).
  45. Military veteran athletes’ experiences of competing at the 2016 Invictus Games: a qualitative study,, opens in a new tab Gareth Roberts, Rachel Arnold, Fiona Gillison, et al., Disability and Rehabilitation, Volume 43(24), pp.3552-3561, (2021).
  46. The health and wellbeing needs of veterans: a rapid review,, opens in a new tab Candice Oster, Andrea Morello, Anthony Venning, et al., BMC Psychiatry, Volume 17, article 414, (December 2017).
  47. Pilot randomized controlled trial of exercise training for older veterans with PTSD,, opens in a new tab Katherine Hall, Miriam Morey, Hayden Bosworth, et al., Journal of Behavioral Medicine, Volume 43, pp.648–659, (2020).
  48. Demographic and Functional Characteristics of National Veterans Wheelchair Games Participants: A Cross-sectional Study,, opens in a new tab Cecelia Rose Lee-Hauser, Richard Schein, Vince Schiappa, et al., Military Medicine, Volume 186(7-8), pp.e749-755, (July-August 2021).
  49. Unveiling the Influence of Competitive Sports on the Sense of Self and Identity of Disabled Veterans: A Systematic Review and Mixed-Methods Synthesis,, opens in a new tab Anna Hendrick, Eve Binks, Neil Ferguson, et al., Identity: An International Journal of Theory and Research, Volume 24(3), pp.194-212, (2024).
  50. Quality participation experiences in the physical activity domain: Perspectives of veterans with a physical disability,, opens in a new tab Celina Shirazipour, M. Blair Evans, Nick Caddick, et al., Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Volume 29, pp.40-50, (March 2017).
  51. Addressing Posttraumatic Stress Among Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans and Significant Others: An Intervention Utilizing Sport and Recreation,, opens in a new tab Bennett, Jessie L; Lundberg, Neil R; Zabriskie, Ramon, et al., Therapeutic Recreation Journal, Volume 48(1), pp.74-93, (2014).
  52. A Longitudinal Examination of Military Veterans’ Invictus Games Stress Experiences,, opens in a new tab Gareth Roberts, Rachel Arnold, James Turner, Frontiers in Psychology, Volume 10, (August 2019).
  53. Insights Following Implementation of an Exercise Intervention in Older Veterans with PTSD,, opens in a new tab Michelle Pebole, Katherine Hall, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Volume 16(14), (July 2019).
  54. This is your new normal: A qualitative study of barriers and facilitators to physical activity in Veterans with lower extremity loss,, opens in a new tab Alyson Littman, Erin Bouldin, Jodie Haselkorn, Disability and Health Journal, Volume 10(4), pp.600-606, (October 2017).
  55. I AM FAMILY: Understanding the adapted sport experiences of family members of military personnel with physical and psychological illnesses and injuries through the lens of the Invictus Games,, opens in a new tab Amber Duong, Lauren Roberts, Heidi Cramm, et al., Psychology of Sort and Exercise, Volume 68, 102457, (September 2023).
  56. Exploring strategies used to deliver physical activity experiences to Veterans with a physical disability,, opens in a new tab Celina Shirazipour, Alice Aiken, Amy Latimer-Cheung, Disability and Rehabilitation, Volume 40(26), pp.3198-3205, (2018).
  57. Identifying contextual influences of community reintegration among injured servicemembers,, opens in a new tab Brent Hawkins, Francis McGuire, Sandra Linder, et al., Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, Volume 52(5), pp.527-542, (2015).
  58. Pathways for Long-Term Physical Activity Participation for Military Veterans With a Physical Disability,, opens in a new tab Shirazipour CH; Latimer-Cheung AE, Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, Volume 38(1), pp.1-24, (2021).
  59. Perceived barriers to, and benefits of physical activity among British military veterans that are wounded, injured, and/or sick: a Behaviour Change Wheel perspective,, opens in a new tab Robert Walker, Martin Colclough, Caroline Limbert, et al., Disability and Rehabilitation, Volume 44(6), pp.900-908, (2022).
  60. The Impact of Adaptive Sports and Physical Activity for Veterans with Disabilities: A Synthesis Project, opens in a new tab [masters thesis], Rachel Mezzoni, The College at Brockport, (December 2022).
  61. University-Based Adaptive Sport Camps as a Model for Engaging Injured Military Veterans in Community Development,, opens in a new tab Arthur-Banning, Skye; Garst, Barry; Young Suk Oh; et al., Journal of Park & Recreation Administration, Volume 39(3), pp.105-119, (2021).
  62. Physical and social factors determining quality of life for veterans with lower-limb amputation(s): a systematic review,, opens in a new tab Jan Christensen, Thomas Ipsen, Patrick Doherty, et al., Disability and Rehabilitation, Volume 38(24), pp.2345-2353, (2016).
  63. Invictus Australia’s first post-Games camp supports veteran wellness, opens in a new tab, Sara Pizzinato, Invictus Australia, (2 June 2025).
  64. “I Know I Can Do Anything I Set my Mind to Now.” From the Invictus Pathways Program to Representing Australia Competitively: A Qualitative Analysis of the Perceptions and Experiences of Veterans and Their Family Support Networks About the Impact of Participation, opens in a new tab, Dannielle Post, Amy Baker, Steve Milanese, et al., Journal of Military Social Work and Behavioral Health Services, (17 June 2025).

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Acknowledgement We gratefully acknowledge the support and assistance provided by Invictus Australia, opens in a new tab in preparing and maintaining this information resource.

Reviewed by: Invictus Australia Last updated: 28 August 2025 Content disclaimer: See Clearinghouse for Sport disclaimer

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