Invictus Community Comes Together Through Adaptive Rowing in Romania
The Invictus Community came together in Onești, Romania, from 17–21 June for the Invictus Rowing Cup “Perfect 10”, bringing together participants from across Europe for a multi-day adaptive sport experience supported by the Invictus Games Foundation through its Beyond the Games programme.
The event brought together 80 members of the Invictus Community, including 20 wounded, injured or sick service personnel from Ukraine, 20 from other European nations and 40 from Romania, providing an opportunity to develop their rowing skills, support recovery through sport and strengthen international connections.
The Invictus Rowing Cup “Perfect 10” formed part of the official programme for the “Nadia Comăneci Year – 2026”, celebrating 50 years since Romanian gymnast Nadia Comăneci achieved the first perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games.
Ahead of the competition, participants took part in a structured rowing training camp designed to enhance technical skills, support physical and psychological recovery, and develop Romania’s long-term capacity in adaptive rowing.
The programme also included an introduction to pickleball, providing participants with the opportunity to explore new sports and build confidence through shared experiences.
Beyond the sporting element, the event created a space for members of the Invictus community to connect, share their experiences and form lasting relationships.
“It has helped me massively with my mental health. The bond that binds us together is something I have never experienced before and it blew me away,” said Kevin MacDonald.
Reflecting on the connections made during the camp, Kevin felt that he "never really felt part of the military through my recovery and into my discharge and didn’t feel my service was valued.
But this camp has shown me regardless of which service or duration served, in this WIS community we are one. The togetherness and camaraderie between us all, Brits and our allies, was second to none. It took a mere few minutes on the coach transfer to start a bond that will last a lifetime.”
The experience also had a positive impact on participants’ physical recovery and confidence.
“It has helped improved both my physical health and fitness,” said Hayley Thompson. “I’ve learnt that people who are injured are the most inspiring people I have ever met. They do not allow any setbacks to get in their way. I felt proud and honoured to be representing Invictus.”
For Lamin Manneh, the international nature of the event was one of the highlights, saying that event was “great for cultural exchange," and that getting to go on tours to nearby landmarks and local points of interest added "more value to the experience than anything else" and that "sharing things with all makes it even more wonderful.”
“Meeting new people and ability to adapt and always try something new and be more patient, which is a great skill to have.”
Our support for this event reflects the Foundation’s commitment to continuing to serve and strengthen the global Invictus Community, creating opportunities that support recovery, connection and personal development long after the Games have ended.