Sport and physical activity
Australian programs that support veterans' wellbeing through participation and community engagement in sport and physical activity.
Australian programs that support veterans' wellbeing through participation and community engagement in sport and physical activity.
- Adaptive Sport Program, opens in a new tab, Invictus Australia, (accessed 8 October 2026). 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.
- Invictus Australia also partners with a range of sporting organisations, as well as the Australian Sports Commission, to help provide access to many sports for veterans and their families. This includes adaptive formats, with opportunities for participation, volunteering and spectating at both a grassroots and international level.
- A new competitive pathway for military and police personnel, opens in a new tab, Judo Australia, (March 2026). A specialist Military & Police teams event at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Melbourne next month will prove a first for the region, and mark a revived pathway for Oceania nations to compete in future World Military Games.
- Six new members offer diverse perspectives for JA’s Military & Police Committee, opens in a new tab, Judo Australia, (April 2026). Judo Australia’s newly formed Military & Police Committee has been strengthened by the appointment of six new members, representing a broad cross-section of judoka of all ages and backgrounds from around the country.
- Battlefields to Footy Fields, opens in a new tab, National Rugby League (NRL), (accessed 8 October 2026). An NRL initiative providing nationally recognised training for current and ex-serving ADF members and their immediate family. The program provides an opportunity to hone newfound skills, make long lasting connections, and participate in something that gives a renewed sense of belonging.
- NRL providing support network through Battlefields to Footy Fields initiative, opens in a new tab, Cameron Mee, NRL.com, (23 April 2024). The Battlefields to Footy Fields program commenced by providing veterans with the opportunity to complete refereeing courses but has expanded significantly since its creation. Now, Defence Force personnel have the chance to engage in coaching and sports training courses while assistance is also provided to help children of veterans to play junior rugby league. More than 200 people have directly graduated from courses, with thousands benefiting from the Battlefield to Footy Fields initiative.
- Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project (SVSP),, opens in a new tab (accessed 8 October 2026). A registered Health Promotion Charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. SVSP is an affiliated club of Australian Sailing and operates a mobile Discover Sailing Centre. They work to empower veterans and their families by fostering meaningful impact and social connection through sailing.
