Netherlands
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Team NED
Netherlands at the Invictus Games
The Dutch Armed Forces have approximately 50,000 active personnel and have worked closely with other allied nations during operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. The Netherlands has been a member of the Invictus movement since the inaugural Games of London 2014 and would host the fifth iteration of the Invictus Games at The Hague 2020.
"I was able to reach my personal goals, I improved, I got my assistance dog and I have a job again. It's just incredible what you can achieve here."
Joyce van den Waardenburg Sydney 2018 & The Hague 2020 Competitor
Team NED
- Competed at 5 Games
- 132 Total Competitors
- Host of The Hague 2020
It’s a long and intensive journey and I’m still walking it, that’s necessary. But things are going a lot better now. The fact that I will join the Invictus Games is proof of that. I also find that togetherness there, a very pleasant feeling
PLAY VIDEO | 7:59
Meet the Nations - Netherlands
Dutch Competitors
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Marco Tessers
Marco Tessers knew for years that something wasn't quite right and that something was bothering him, affecting his relationship with family and his ability to engage with society.
Marco was confronted by his eldest daughter, who urged him to seek help and he immediately knew that he should be screened for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
He was eventually diagnosed with PTSD and began conversing with other veterans to discuss their shared experience and was grateful to be offered a chance to participate in the Invictus Games The Hague 2020, as he wanted to continue his recovery journey.
After an initial training camp, Marco found that archery was the sport for him, as he was able to focus his mind on the task at hand and now he feels that he and the bow belong together.
What I now experience after the Games is that I can move more freely and have found some more inner peace. The interaction with participants from other countries and conversations make it seem like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders."
Invictus Games The Hague 2020
Archery and Swimming
Served in the Dutch Army
Credits his wife and two daughters for sticking by him.
Bosnia and Kosovo
Pushing the boundaries
Follow on Instagram
@DutchInvictusTeam
“I got a goal to work on, it really gave me something to look forward to.
Fenna Geugjes The Hague 2020 Competitor
