Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding Take Centre Stage on the Final Day of Action on Whistler Mountain at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025
Day 5 of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 presented by ATCO and Boeing was a celebration of unbreakable spirit as competitors took on the Intermediate & Advanced Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding Finals at Whistler Alpine Venue. Against a breathtaking mountain backdrop, Competitors pushed their limits, proving that the true measure of success is found in courage and perseverance.
The challenging downhill course demanded agility and control, with each competitor navigating tight turns and high-speed descents. Factored timing ensured a fair and level playing field, allowing all competitors to showcase their skill and determination. The atmosphere was electric, as family, friends, and fans cheered on moments of triumph—big and small.
Mary Porter (Team US) refuses to let ALS define her. A retired Army Major and former Brigade Surgeon, Mary was an avid skier for 50 years before her ALS diagnosis in 2021 left her wheelchair-bound. Instead of giving up, she adapted—learning to sit ski and reigniting her passion for the slopes. “When I AM on the snow, I no longer have ALS,” she says. Today, she competed with determination and joy, embracing every moment and proving that sport is a powerful force for hope and transformation.
Buffy Little & Alana Blackman (Team New Zealand) shared an unforgettable Invictus Games moment, competing side by side in snowboarding. The married couple, both New Zealand Army service members, have overcome breast cancer three times between them. For Buffy, sport became a turning point in her recovery journey, helping her recognize the importance of mental health support. After serving as New Zealand’s co-captain in 2023, she returned to the Games stronger than ever. Alana, making her Invictus Games debut, also secured a medal in snowboarding, marking a special milestone in their shared journey of resilience, love, and triumph.
Mark Abel (Team UK) made his long-awaited return to the Games after nearly a decade away. The visually impaired Army veteran last competed in 2016 in Florida, where his then 14-year-old son, Sam, proudly stood poolside cheering him on. A year later, Mark’s world was shattered when Sam took his own life after experiencing bullying. Overwhelmed by grief, Mark stepped away from competition. But through resilience and a renewed passion for sport, he found his way back, competing in indoor rowing, skiing, skeleton, and swimming. Today’s skiing event was not just a race—it was a powerful step forward in his journey of healing and strength.
Looking Ahead:
With the winter sports program concluding in Whistler, the excitement shifts back to Vancouver for the start of Wheelchair Rugby at the Vancouver Convention Centre. As the Games continue, so do the stories of resilience, camaraderie, and the unconquered spirit of the competitors.
Stay tuned for more unforgettable moments from the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025!