Inspiring a Generation of Brazilian Service Members - Davi Pavelec | International Coaching Week

"The Invictus Games is very important to us, it’s changing our lives.”

Our final spotlight of coaching during International Coaching Week brings us to one of the newest members of the Invictus Community - Brazil and the wonderful role played by their Team Manager Davi Pavelec.

Brazil joined the Invictus Community of Nations in 2024 and made their debut at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. The Brazilian team was comprised of 8 injured or ill service members and they took part in a single sport - Sitting Volleyball.

In a remarkable achievement, Brazil claimed gold against Nigeria, winning in straight sets and not even dropping a single set on their way to the final.

While the Invictus Games are not about performance or results, the Brazil team were overjoyed to claim the gold medal and were so grateful to their Team Manager Davi Pavelec that each member of the team placed their medals around Davi's neck.

"When we arrived in Canada, and first got to experience the Invictus Games, our team was brought to tears, we were filled with so much emotion," Davi said.

Davi is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Brazilian Air Force and has been a strong advocate for the power of adaptive sports in the Brazilian community.

He is also the Head of Military Para Sports in Brazil and is the President of the Para Sport Working Group at the International Military Sports Council (CISM).

"We had a dream, that we could make a difference for members of the Brazilian wounded, injured or sick community, who have suffered greatly and through sport can be brought back to life."

Davi has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to get the Brazilian team to British Columbia stating that being there "was historical for us."

Davi talked to us at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 on what it means for Brazil to be a part of the Invictus Games Community.