Warrant Officer Renay Groves carrying the Invictus Flag at the Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial at Bain Park in Quinte West (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
In just a few short days, the 3rd annual Invictus Games take place in Toronto. The international event brings together 550 ill and injured veterans from around the world, to compete in 12 adaptive sports such as wheelchair basketball, rugby and tennis, indoor rowing and sitting volleyball.
On Monday afternoon, the flag which will be on display at the games, made a stop at the Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial in Bain Park in Quinte West. Veterans, athletes, dignitaries, sponsors and supporters were on hand for the event, which not only celebrated the games, but honoured those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The Invictus Games Flag in Quinte West. Retired Master Corporal Denise Hepburn is seen in centre wearing red (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Retired Master Corporal Denise Hepburn spent 13 years as a medic for Canada, and was medically released from CFB Trenton. Hepburn broke her neck in the Bay of Quinte while training and was released from duty in 2014. She will be competing in swimming, indoor rowing and sitting volleyball. She tells Quinte News she began training and participating in events with Soldier On. She adds she is really proud to wear a Canadian uniform again.
The flag for the Invictus Games. Retired Master Corporal Warren Brace is in red holding the flag (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Retired Master Corporal Warren Brace was medically released from service at CFB Trenton in June (2017), and is competing in swimming and sitting volleyball.
He tells Quinte News it is amazing to have the flag in Trenton, where he still lives today.
The colour guard for the opening ceremonies of the Invictus Games Flag at Bain Park in Quinte West (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Quinte West Councillor Duncan Armstrong says it was appropriate to have the flag at CFB Trenton.
Warrant Officer Renay Groves holding the Invictus Games Flag looks at the names of the fallen soldiers at the Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial in Quinte West. Captain Jefferson C Francis was someone she knew (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Quinte West Councillor Jim Alyea says it is a rare and great event to be a part of.
Warrant Officer Renay Groves holds the Invictus Games Flag, while looking at the names of the fallen soldiers at the Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Bay of Quinte MP Neil Ellis says it is a great thing to have in our back yard.
The opening ceremonies of the Invictus Games Flag at the Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial in Bain Park in Quinte West (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
