Taira is one of the contributors to the Heart of Invictus documentary series, launched online August 30th.
Yulia (Taira) Paievska, is a Ukrainian solider, paramedic and founder of the volunteer ambulance corps, ‘Tiara’s Angels.’ The injuries she sustained during her tour of duty meant both of her hips had to be replaced with titanium endoprostheses, and she was left to cope with partial disability.
Taira, the only woman on the Ukrainian team, was due to compete in archery and swimming at the Invictus Games The Hague in 2022. However, her capture by Russian soldiers meant she was unable to take part. Anna-Sofia Puzanova, her 19-year-old daughter, entered in her place and was awarded a bronze medal in archery.
Taira was released from captivity in June 2022 and since then has become an international symbol of bravery and sacrifice and finally competed at the Invictus Games at Düsseldorf 2023.
Gabriel 'Gabe' George
Gabriel (Gabe) George is one of the contributors to the Heart of Invictus documentary series, launched online August 30th.
Gabe, also known as ‘the One-Armed Archer’, joined the U.S Navy in 2004 having trained as a corpsman. He spent two years on ship and served behind the wire at Guantanamo Bay.
In April 2008, he was hit by a driver whilst riding his motorbike. After spending three weeks in a coma, Gabe was left with a traumatic brain injury, spinal damage and a paralysed right arm, which required amputation. After the accident, Gabe realised he could still engage in sports, including archery. He learned how to use a device which allowed him to fire a bow by pulling the string with his teeth and went on to compete at the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 as part of the Team US archery, swimming and indoor rowing teams.
Despite his numerous serious injuries, Gabe maintains a positive outlook on life and is involved with various organisations, focused on helping other wounded veterans.
Darrell Ling
Darrell Ling is one of the contributors to the Heart of Invictus documentary series, launched online August 30th.
He joined the Navy as a marine electrician, serving in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) between 1986 and 1992. His involvement in various military responses over this time, including the Swissair flight 111 crash and the 2010 Haiti earthquake, had a major impact on Darrell’s mental health. In 2016, he was diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress and major depressive disorder.
Darrell's injuries contributed to further isolation and eventually homelessness. Determined to put his life back together, he reached out to other veterans in Canada with whom he was able to build meaningful bonds.
This eventually led him to the Invictus Games The Hague 2020, where he successfully took part in the archery, indoor rowing and wheelchair basketball.
Beyond the Invictus Games, the Invictus Games Foundation also offers opportunities for recovery through sport and adventurous challenge, facilitated by the platform We Are Invictus. Darrell has taken part in numerous We Are Invictus opportunities, including several virtual London Marathons and the IGF Powered by Invictus virtual Rowing league. Having experienced the benefits of competing, first hand, he now feels passionate about inspiring others to see sports as a path to recovery.
Vicki Ross
Vicki is is one of the contributors to the Heart of Invictus documentary series, launched online August 30th.
Former Warrant Officer, Victoria (Vicki) Ross, won gold in indoor rowing at the Invictus Games The Hague 2020. She also competed as part of Team UK’s Wheelchair Rugby team, securing silver after being narrowly beaten by the USA.
Vicki experienced a number of injuries during her time in the Army, including nerve damage, shoulder impingement and knee surgery, all of which left her with acute anxiety. Feeling physically, mentally and emotionally challenged, her journey to the Invictus Games gave her a new focus. It allowed her to explore her potential within an unfamiliar environment and ultimately rediscover the person she once was.
Beyond the Invictus Games, the Invictus Games Foundation also offers opportunities for recovery through sport and adventurous challenge, facilitated by the platform We Are Invictus. Vicki has also competed in various Powered by Invictus virtual leagues such as cycling, rowing and sitting volleyball.
Tom Folwell
Tom Folwell is one of the contributors to the Heart of Invictus documentary series, launched online August 30th.
Former sapper in the army, Tom Folwell competed at the Invictus Games The Hague 2020, captaining Team UK’s wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball squads, as well as competing in sitting volleyball.
Tom served in Afghanistan between 2003 and 2015, losing both his legs in a bomb blast whilst on foot patrol in Helmand Province. Standing on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) left Tom with life-changing injuries and brought his career to an end. The situation worsened as medics, headed for Birmingham, had to stop off in Cyprus so that they could tend to a blood clot that Tom had subsequently developed.
Since then, Tom’s recovery has also involved battling with sleep apnoea which developed as a result of the injury. This had a serious impact on his wellbeing but gave rise to his renewed appreciation for sport, in particular an interest in Wheelchair Rugby.
Beyond the Invictus Games, the Invictus Games Foundation also offers opportunities for recovery through sport and adventurous challenge, facilitated by the platform We Are Invictus. Not only has Tom competed in the Invictus Games but he has also taken part in virtual activities such as the Powered by Invictus Sitting Volleyball leagues. These opportunities helped to reinvigorate him, reminding him of how important it is to keep learning and improving.
Brooke Mead
Brooke Mead enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy at the age of 18, and soon after, she was deployed to Operation Resolute, taking part in missions to recover the bodies of asylum seekers.
Unfortunately, her career in the Armed Forces was cut short when she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and experienced a spinal cord injury, leading to her medical discharge.
However, Brooke’s most challenging battles lay ahead of her and in an effort to enhance her physical and mental well-being, she turned to sports, recognising the need for a goal.
In May 2021 she applied to compete at the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023, hoping to find purpose and motivation through competition. Since then, Brooke has shed 50 kilograms and rehabilitated her spinal cord injury so well that they recently removed her spinal cord stimulator.
During her ongoing recovery, Brooke has discovered a passion for supporting fellow veterans, promoting sports as a catalyst for healing and she finds deep fulfilment in motivating others on their journey towards healing.
Mohammad Essa Akbari
Mohammad Essa Akbari was a member of the Afghan National Security and Defence Force and was unfortunately injured due to being caught in the blast of roadside bomb while on a security patrol in northern Baghlan province in 2015.
He sadly lost both of his legs but that hasn't dampened his spirit and conviction to get better and represent his country.
Akbari said that he never lost hope and he is proud to represent the Afghan flag on the world stage.
“I was so shattered when I lost my legs but now I am happy that I am back to life and want to achieve something through sport."
He trained at an army gym in Kabul and practiced for sitting volleyball and powerlifting.
Akbari was able to fulfil his wish of bringing an achievement back to Afghanistan when he won silver in powerlifting at Toronto 2017.
Carlo Calcagni
Carlo Calcagni served as a helicopter pilot and paratrooper for the Italian Army and thoroughly enjoyed his job.
In 1996, Carlo participated in an international peacekeeping mission in the Balkans, breathing in heavy metal powders and, as a result, he became seriously ill and was diagnosed with a series of neurological problems.
As he now suffers from various neurological problems and MCS (multiple chemical sensitivity), Carlo has also developed multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.
However, Carlo likes to focus on the positive and sport always played a large part in his life and it continues to do so as part of his recovery journey.
Carlo has competed at the Invictus Games twice and many local adaptive sports events in Italy and likes to focus on remembering and honouring his fallen comrades with his performance.
Ivan Rudyi
Ivan Rudyi was a member of the Armed Forces of Ukraine before his life changed in Lugansk on the 7th of August 2014.
Ivan and his colleagues came under mortar fire, with many losing their lives and Ivan left severely injured. He was rushed to Kharkov’s military hospital where the doctors did their best to heal his wounds and remove the shrapnel embedded in his body.
Thankfully, Ivan life was saved but he was told that his mobility would be severely impacted and that his right arm was now effectively useless and that he should learn to do everything with his left arm.
The doctors told him that he couldn't lift anything heavier than a bag of sugar but he refused to accept that and with the support of his wife, Kateryna and seeing the Invictus Games on television, Ivan was inspired to get back into sport.
Ivan is now an accomplished powerlifter and was excited to learn wheelchair basketball from Team USA and partake in team sports.
"It is wonderful to be able to participate in the wheelchair basketball at the Invictus Games, as there’s nothing better than being able to represent your country as a team."
Ivan proudly served as Team Captain during a difficult time in Ukraine and is motivated to continuing his recovery journey and help others.
Darrell Ling is one of the contributors to the Heart of Invictus documentary series, launched online August 30th.
He joined the Navy as a marine electrician, serving in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) between 1986 and 1992. His involvement in various military responses over this time, including the Swissair flight 111 crash and the 2010 Haiti earthquake, had a major impact on Darrell’s mental health. In 2016, he was diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress and major depressive disorder.
Darrell's injuries contributed to further isolation and eventually homelessness. Determined to put his life back together, he reached out to other veterans in Canada with whom he was able to build meaningful bonds.
This eventually led him to the Invictus Games The Hague 2020, where he successfully took part in the archery, indoor rowing and wheelchair basketball.
Beyond the Invictus Games, the Invictus Games Foundation also offers opportunities for recovery through sport and adventurous challenge, facilitated by the platform We Are Invictus. Darrell has taken part in numerous We Are Invictus opportunities, including several virtual London Marathons and the IGF Powered by Invictus virtual Rowing league. Having experienced the benefits of competing, first hand, he now feels passionate about inspiring others to see sports as a path to recovery.
Gabriel 'Gabe' George
Gabriel (Gabe) George is one of the contributors to the Heart of Invictus documentary series, launched online August 30th.
Gabe, also known as ‘the One-Armed Archer’, joined the U.S Navy in 2004 having trained as a corpsman. He spent two years on ship and served behind the wire at Guantanamo Bay.
In April 2008, he was hit by a driver whilst riding his motorbike. After spending three weeks in a coma, Gabe was left with a traumatic brain injury, spinal damage and a paralysed right arm, which required amputation. After the accident, Gabe realised he could still engage in sports, including archery. He learned how to use a device which allowed him to fire a bow by pulling the string with his teeth and went on to compete at the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 as part of the Team US archery, swimming and indoor rowing teams.
Despite his numerous serious injuries, Gabe maintains a positive outlook on life and is involved with various organisations, focused on helping other wounded veterans.
Tom Folwell
Tom Folwell is one of the contributors to the Heart of Invictus documentary series, launched online August 30th.
Former sapper in the army, Tom Folwell competed at the Invictus Games The Hague 2020, captaining Team UK’s wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball squads, as well as competing in sitting volleyball.
Tom served in Afghanistan between 2003 and 2015, losing both his legs in a bomb blast whilst on foot patrol in Helmand Province. Standing on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) left Tom with life-changing injuries and brought his career to an end. The situation worsened as medics, headed for Birmingham, had to stop off in Cyprus so that they could tend to a blood clot that Tom had subsequently developed.
Since then, Tom’s recovery has also involved battling with sleep apnoea which developed as a result of the injury. This had a serious impact on his wellbeing but gave rise to his renewed appreciation for sport, in particular an interest in Wheelchair Rugby.
Beyond the Invictus Games, the Invictus Games Foundation also offers opportunities for recovery through sport and adventurous challenge, facilitated by the platform We Are Invictus. Not only has Tom competed in the Invictus Games but he has also taken part in virtual activities such as the Powered by Invictus Sitting Volleyball leagues. These opportunities helped to reinvigorate him, reminding him of how important it is to keep learning and improving.
Vicki Ross
Vicki is is one of the contributors to the Heart of Invictus documentary series, launched online August 30th.
Former Warrant Officer, Victoria (Vicki) Ross, won gold in indoor rowing at the Invictus Games The Hague 2020. She also competed as part of Team UK’s Wheelchair Rugby team, securing silver after being narrowly beaten by the USA.
Vicki experienced a number of injuries during her time in the Army, including nerve damage, shoulder impingement and knee surgery, all of which left her with acute anxiety. Feeling physically, mentally and emotionally challenged, her journey to the Invictus Games gave her a new focus. It allowed her to explore her potential within an unfamiliar environment and ultimately rediscover the person she once was.
Beyond the Invictus Games, the Invictus Games Foundation also offers opportunities for recovery through sport and adventurous challenge, facilitated by the platform We Are Invictus. Vicki has also competed in various Powered by Invictus virtual leagues such as cycling, rowing and sitting volleyball.
Brooke Mead
Brooke Mead enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy at the age of 18, and soon after, she was deployed to Operation Resolute, taking part in missions to recover the bodies of asylum seekers.
Unfortunately, her career in the Armed Forces was cut short when she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and experienced a spinal cord injury, leading to her medical discharge.
However, Brooke’s most challenging battles lay ahead of her and in an effort to enhance her physical and mental well-being, she turned to sports, recognising the need for a goal.
In May 2021 she applied to compete at the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023, hoping to find purpose and motivation through competition. Since then, Brooke has shed 50 kilograms and rehabilitated her spinal cord injury so well that they recently removed her spinal cord stimulator.
During her ongoing recovery, Brooke has discovered a passion for supporting fellow veterans, promoting sports as a catalyst for healing and she finds deep fulfilment in motivating others on their journey towards healing.
Mohammad Essa Akbari
Mohammad Essa Akbari was a member of the Afghan National Security and Defence Force and was unfortunately injured due to being caught in the blast of roadside bomb while on a security patrol in northern Baghlan province in 2015.
He sadly lost both of his legs but that hasn't dampened his spirit and conviction to get better and represent his country.
Akbari said that he never lost hope and he is proud to represent the Afghan flag on the world stage.
“I was so shattered when I lost my legs but now I am happy that I am back to life and want to achieve something through sport."
He trained at an army gym in Kabul and practiced for sitting volleyball and powerlifting.
Akbari was able to fulfil his wish of bringing an achievement back to Afghanistan when he won silver in powerlifting at Toronto 2017.
Carlo Calcagni
Carlo Calcagni served as a helicopter pilot and paratrooper for the Italian Army and thoroughly enjoyed his job.
In 1996, Carlo participated in an international peacekeeping mission in the Balkans, breathing in heavy metal powders and, as a result, he became seriously ill and was diagnosed with a series of neurological problems.
As he now suffers from various neurological problems and MCS (multiple chemical sensitivity), Carlo has also developed multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.
However, Carlo likes to focus on the positive and sport always played a large part in his life and it continues to do so as part of his recovery journey.
Carlo has competed at the Invictus Games twice and many local adaptive sports events in Italy and likes to focus on remembering and honouring his fallen comrades with his performance.
Ivan Rudyi
Ivan Rudyi was a member of the Armed Forces of Ukraine before his life changed in Lugansk on the 7th of August 2014.
Ivan and his colleagues came under mortar fire, with many losing their lives and Ivan left severely injured. He was rushed to Kharkov’s military hospital where the doctors did their best to heal his wounds and remove the shrapnel embedded in his body.
Thankfully, Ivan life was saved but he was told that his mobility would be severely impacted and that his right arm was now effectively useless and that he should learn to do everything with his left arm.
The doctors told him that he couldn't lift anything heavier than a bag of sugar but he refused to accept that and with the support of his wife, Kateryna and seeing the Invictus Games on television, Ivan was inspired to get back into sport.
Ivan is now an accomplished powerlifter and was excited to learn wheelchair basketball from Team USA and partake in team sports.
"It is wonderful to be able to participate in the wheelchair basketball at the Invictus Games, as there’s nothing better than being able to represent your country as a team."
Ivan proudly served as Team Captain during a difficult time in Ukraine and is motivated to continuing his recovery journey and help others.
Siraj Muneer
Siraj Muneer was a member of the Iraqi Armed Forces when his life changed after stepping on an improvised explosive device (IED) in 2007.
Siraj was handing out food rations and supplies when he stepped on that IED and he unfortunately lost both of his legs.
Thankfully, Siraj was selected to take part in the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 as a member of Team Iraq and it was when he was competing in the archery event that he finally felt his mentality shift and everything fall into place.
"Suffering an injury does not mean your life has ended," and he wants to spread as much positivity and support as he can within the Invictus community.
He found it very therapeutic to compete against others with similar injuries and has found purpose in sport as it allows him to continuously push himself.
"People with similar injuries are sitting at home doing nothing, but sport helps me challenge myself, it doesn’t matter who wins, as long as we show that we’re challenging life."
Taira is one of the contributors to the Heart of Invictus documentary series, launched online August 30th.
Yulia (Taira) Paievska, is a Ukrainian solider, paramedic and founder of the volunteer ambulance corps, ‘Tiara’s Angels.’ The injuries she sustained during her tour of duty meant both of her hips had to be replaced with titanium endoprostheses, and she was left to cope with partial disability.
Taira, the only woman on the Ukrainian team, was due to compete in archery and swimming at the Invictus Games The Hague in 2022. However, her capture by Russian soldiers meant she was unable to take part. Anna-Sofia Puzanova, her 19-year-old daughter, entered in her place and was awarded a bronze medal in archery.
Taira was released from captivity in June 2022 and since then has become an international symbol of bravery and sacrifice and finally competed at the Invictus Games at Düsseldorf 2023.
Invictus Games The Hague 2020
A twice-delayed (thanks to Covid) Invictus Games The Hague 2020 presented by Jaguar Land Rover finally took place in The Netherlands 16th - 22nd April, 2022. Not all 20 nations could attend in person, so Afghanistan, Jordan and New Zealand were in the hearts of all those there in person.
The Zuiderpark in The Hague was transformed into the Invictus Games park for a week containing 10 sports, 17 nations, and 395 competitors.
Invictus Games Sydney 2018
It was ‘Game On Down Under’ when Australia welcomed competitors and their family and friends for the Invictus Games Sydney 2018.
Sydney 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.
Invictus Games Toronto 2017
The third Invictus Games took place in Toronto, Canada from 23-30 September 2017. These Games brought together 539 competitors from 17 nations for 8 days of fierce competition. As well as countries who participated in the 2014 and 2016 Invictus Games, Iraq, Ukraine and Romania took part in their first ever Games. Competitors were joined by over 1,000 of their families and friends to recognise the vital role they play on a competitor’s recovery journey.
Invictus Games Orlando 2016
The second Invictus Games took place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, part of the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Invictus Games London 2014
The inaugural Invictus Games, held from 10-14 September 2014 in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, brought together over 400 competitors from 13 nations around the world. Across four days of intense sporting action, they competed in ten sports in five venues.
Boaz Tabib
Boaz Tabib was a member of the Paratroopers Infantry Brigade and served in the Lebanon War.
He was critically injured during the fighting in 1982 and sustained severe burns, resulting in the loss of all the fingers on both of his hands, impaired vision and tinnitus.
Boaz underneath 13 months of intense rehabilitative therapy at Beit Halochem, a rehabilitation centre that focuses on sport and recreation and with the encouragement of his fellow wounded veterans, he was eager to take on a new challenge.
With the aid of a special prothesis he began playing table tennis and worked he's way up to competing at a professional level.
He never wanted to let his disability define him and he's looking forward to competing at the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 and to share his recovery experience and help others.
Salisu Danjuma
Salisu Danjuma is from the Northern region of Nigeria and joined the Nigerian Armed Forces in 2011 at 23 years of age.
In 2014, he was deployed to the north-eastern part of Nigeria to combat insurgency, where he unfortunately sustained injuries that resulted in the amputation of his left leg.
Salisu has had a long and tough recovery journey, he used to spend the majority of his time indoors and felt very isolated and that his disability defined him.
Thankfully, Salisu has started to use sport as a pathway to recovery since he participated in his first Invictus Endeavour on adaptive sport at the start of 2023.
He now has greater confidence in himself and is excited to be selected as member of Team Nigeria for the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023.
Guram Chimakhidze
Guram Chimakhidze served as a Corporal in the Georgian Armed Forces and was unfortunately injured while serving on a Peacekeeping Mission in Afghanistan (ISAF).
Guram was just 23-years-old when he received serious injuries, multiple wounds and the lose of both lower legs to amputation.
During his recovery, Guram discovered the rehabilitative power of sport and is now an avid wheelchair basketball player and was part of the team that won first place at the Marine Corps Trials in 2019.
He was selected to be part of the Georgian Team for the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 and found his experience at the Games to be "unforgettable".
Guram will return for the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 and is excited to compete alongside and meet competitors from all the other nations.
Francisco Pedraza Osorio
Francisco Pedraza Osorio was injured in combat while serving with the National Army of Colombia on a hostage rescue mission, he did not lose consciousness upon his recovery but he knew his injuries were extensive.
He was eventually placed in a coma for 15 days and when he awoke he found out that he had lost both his legs and one of his kidneys and he had to begin his recovery journey
Thankfully through the rehabilitation centre he found adaptive sport and Francisco knew that through sport he could improve not only his physical health but mental health and help him find his identity outside the military.
Colombia joining the Invictus Community of Nations has come at an "opportune" moment in Francisco's rehab process as it has given him another goal to work towards and helped him discover a new passion, helping others on their recovery journey.
Francisco has now taken part in an Invictus Endeavour at the AFPST International Competition, multiple Invictus Opportunities and will compete at the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023.
He is encouraging all WIS on their recovery journey to reach out and sign up to the We Are Invictus platform as he wants to help improve the lives of all his fellow Colombians.
Adam Modd
Adam Modd served for 22 years in the British Army, specialising in bomb disposal before moving to New Zealand in 2007 and joining the New Zealand Defence Force to introduce new Bomb Disposal Capabilities.
His line of work has brought him to over 20 countries around the world, he's diffused thousands of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED’s), and Unexploded Ordnance (UXO’S) and it's his commitment to bomb disposal that has seen him shot, blown up, bones broken, amongst many other injuries.
Adam has gone through a series of surgeries and rehabilitation programmes and has made peace with the fact that his body is in continuous pain but he knows that "if I had a choice I would do it all over again."
He was initially selected to be a part of the New Zealand Team for the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 but a series or military commitments and surgeries denied him the chance to compete. Now, he is feeling better and on his recovery journey and will finally make it to the Invictus Games at Düsseldorf 2023.
#WeThe15
We are a founding partner of WeThe15 - sport’s biggest ever human rights movement to end discrimination. We aim to transform the lives of the world’s 1.2 billion persons with disabilities who represent 15% of the global population.
Woodland Warrior Project
The Woodland Warrior Programme provides therapeutic activities for armed forces personnel, veterans and members of the emergency services. It provides participants with the opportunity to recuperate, recalibrate and re-engage. Set within a woodland environment, activities are centered around bushcraft and the natural world.
Invictus Australia
Australia has achieved a world first with the launch of Invictus Australia. Invictus Australia will be at the forefront of delivering sport recovery programs and services to improve the health and wellbeing of military veterans and their families, using sport as the primary vehicle. Invictus Australia, under licence from the Invictus Games Foundation, is the legacy of the highly acclaimed Invictus Games Sydney 2018. The launch marked the third anniversary of the closing of those Games.
