The I AM Clubs Project supports 9 members of the We Are Invictus Community at Waco Ironman Event.
The Invictus Games Foundation has completed its latest event as part of the I AM Clubs project – supporting nine members of the We Are Invictus community compete at the Ironman 70.3 in Waco, Texas.
In Waco, we brought together 9 WIS from Canada, Colombia and the USA to compete at an Ironman 70.3.
An Ironman 70.3 is also known as a Half Ironman and the ‘70.3’ refers to the total distance in miles (113.0 km) covered in the race, consisting of a 1.2-mile (1.9 km) swim, a 56-mile (90 km) bike ride, and a 13.1-mile (21.1 km) run.
We supported three participants, who entered the Ironman 70.3 Waco as individual competitors and two ‘Unconquered’ relay teams, including the first ever all-female team.
Kira Lavine, USA, competed at the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 said that joining the I AM Clubs project and the We Are Invictus community “marked a change in my world”.
“This space where I could compete and feed that part of me that craves challenge when I thought that life was behind me is like re-igniting a flame that had been nearly extinguished.”
The I AM Clubs are focused on utilising ‘competitive’ sporting opportunities and aiding members of the We Are Invictus community that are prioritising performance increases and results.
“The impact on my life has been tenfold from doing competitive sport again; I have a motivating goal to keep me staying active and provides me an outlet for my emotional energy I would otherwise struggle with directing.
“It's changed my life finding a competitive space I find belonging in” said Kira Lavine (USA).
Daniel Urbina, Colombia, performed particularly well and placed 1st in the Physically Challenged Classification and will soon learn if he has been allocated a spot to compete at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Marbella, Spain.
While the I AM Clubs project is focused on competitive sport, the Clubs still prioritise camaraderie amongst the competitors and aiding recovery through a shared sporting experience.
"The I AM Clubs project has given me a boost in morale, given me a sense of being part of something bigger than myself, a community worth belonging to that has given me a sense of self-worth. Coming together in Waco wasn’t just about the race for me, but the opportunity to participate in international community with other service members with a shared goal," said Nick Krey, USA.
“Carrying the Invictus Games Foundation flag across the finish line over my head, the opportunity to say 'I AM Invictus' was deeply impactful," Nick said.
“The camaraderie and support amongst the Invictus athletes during the race weekend were unparalleled. I was surprised to learn, despite the differences in our nations and types of service, the number of similarities in our recovery journeys,” said Ken Dufour, Canada.
For years, cycling has been an integral part of my recovery and wellness, I don’t think I could have been successful without it. The I AM Clubs Project gave me a reason to take my passion for cycling to the next level and find joy through competition. The positive social, emotional and physical impact that participation in IGF activities has had for me cannot be overstated,” Ken said.
We have one triathlon event left to complete as part of the pilot phase of the I AM Clubs project, this will be another Ironman 70.3 event in Melbourne, Australia on November 10, 2024.
About the We Are Invictus platform
If you are interested in joining, I AM Clubs and are a member of the international wounded, injured or sick service community, sign up to the We Are Invictus platform here.
If you would like to support the work of the Invictus Games Foundation, you can donate to our cause here.