Terrigal resident and veteran, Karl Woodward, will compete at the 2023 Invictus Games in Germany this September.
Woodward joined the Royal Australian Air Force and graduated Officers’ Training School in 2007 and has served in Townsville, Williamtown, and Canberra.
During his service, he was deployed twice in the Middle East and once in South Sudan.
His service also took him across several continents including Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Australia until he retired in 2023.
Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid said Woodward will represent Australia outstandingly during the 2023 Invictus Games.
“Australians owe a great deal of gratitude and respect to our defence men and women,” Reid said.
“Mr Woodward served our nation with the highest sense of honour and duty.
“He will now represent Australia in the sporting arena, competing in swimming, indoor rowing and wheelchair rugby.
“All our defence personnel are remarkable Australians who have put their lives on the line to ensure the security and prosperity of our nation.
“I look forward to watching our Aussie veterans compete in this year’s Invictus Games and wish them every success.”
Woodward said no matter the result, representing Australia at the 2023 Invictus Games was a win.
“I am extremely proud to have served my country and wear the uniform within Australia and across the world,” he said.
“My service instilled in me the values and skills that I will carry for the rest of my life, both in my professional and personal life.
“I feel like I have already won when I was asked to try out for the Australian Team at the selection camp in 2022.
“I feel that turning up to train either alone or with fellow Aussie teammates is a win in my book.”
Woodward said he was looking forward to life on the Central Coast post service and giving back to his community.
“I feel blessed now returning to the place I grew up (Terrigal), and now I can live and give back to my local community on the Central Coast,” he said.
The Invictus Games aims to promote a greater international understanding of and respect for those who serve their country by inspiring recovery and supporting the rehabilitation of wounded injured and sick (WIS) service personnel and veterans.
The sixth Invictus Games will take place in Dusseldorf in Germany and involve 22 nations, with 550 competitors across 10 sports, from September 9-16.
For more information, visit: https://www.invictusgamesfoundation.org/invictus-games/dusseldorf-2023
Source:
Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid