Sonny Tavake: A Beacon of Courage and Healing Through Winter Sport

For Sonny Tavake from Team New Zealand, racing down the Skeleton track at the Whistler Sliding Centre at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 was the ultimate act of courage. Sonny embodies the Invictus Spirit, as he found healing by returning to a winter environment for the first time in 34 years following a tragic alpine accident.

As a young private in 1990, Tavake joined 12 other soldiers participating in an alpine training exercise on Mt Ruapehu, located on New Zealand’s North Island. The situation became life threatening as a powerful storm approached, and Sonny bravely made the 11-hour journey down the mountain to get help. His courageous actions earned him the New Zealand Bravery Medal. Tragically, six servicemen lost their lives that day. Sonny carries their memory with him as he competes in this years’ Invictus Games.

Sonny has found strength through the Invictus Community after leaving the Army. He first joined as a member of Team New Zealand for the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023, after seeing the positive impact the Invictus Games had on friends in his circle. Participating as a member Team New Zealand and using sport as a tool for recovery has fostered a new sense of confidence and comradery that he hopes to share with everyone in attendance at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.

On the Whistler Mountain, Tavake has conquered a new challenge, trying skeleton for the very first time. Skeleton is one of five new sports included this year as part of the first ever winter hybrid Invictus Games. Sonny dedicated his run to those families impacted by that tragedy over 30 years ago – for the soldiers who are still alive, and those who didn’t make it home. “That’s one of the reasons I’m a part of this Invictus Games experience, especially here in Whistler – to represent them.”

Competing in Skeleton gave Sonny the courage to conquer his fears head on. “I’ve had a lot of layers I’ve had to strip away to heal, layer by layer, and Skeleton is one of those layers for me.” As he crossed the finish line, it was with a deep sense of purpose, pride and joy. His incredible accomplishment serves as an inspiration to us all.

As his healing journey continues, sports will continue to play an important role in Sonny's life.