Invictus Games London 2014

Nov 11, 2022
5 Min read
Invictus Games

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.

Two years on from the spectacle of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, tens of thousands of people returned to pack iconic venues in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This time they were cheering on men and women who just six months prior had been unknown to the public, despite the personal sacrifice they had made on behalf of their country.

The Games started with a spectacular Opening Ceremony, with an audience of 5,000 gathering on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for the special military themed opening event. A fly past from The Red Arrows, displays by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and the Queen’s Colour Squadron and performances from bands in the Royal Marines, Army and RAF kicked off the Games in style.

The Jaguar Land Rover Invictus Games Closing Concert was a star-studded event, featuring the likes of the Foo Fighters, Bryan Adams, Ellie Goulding and The Kaiser Chiefs. It was the perfect finale for an inspirational four days of sporting action.

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Scotty Darroch

Scotty served for ten years as a Corporal and Training Instructor in the UK Army’s Royal Logistic Corps and has operational service (1995-2004) in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and Kosovo.

Scotty had an extremely difficult period during his military career and when he subsequently left the Army. He wasn't aware at the time that he was suffering from undiagnosed mental health issues.

Scotty attempted to take his own life multiple times and it took him nearly 20 years to reach out and ask for help and he was finally given a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Sport became a big part of Scotty's recovery journey and found help through leading an active lifestyle which eventually led him to competing at the Invictus Games and been appointed the Team UK Powerlifting Captain at the Invictus Games Toronto 2017.

"My time competing at the Invictus Games was humbling and rewarding and I have found great support and camaraderie from the We Are Invictus Community."

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Yulia (Taira) Paievska

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.

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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.

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