Team Canada’s training camp in Kingston, Ont., set the roster for the Invictus Games in Toronto this September

Story and photography by Stephen J. Thorne

Canada announced its Invictus Games team on June 15, as a second week-long training camp wrapped up in Kingston, Ont. The photos below were taken there as the athletes trained.

The Games were created by Prince Harry in 2014 to honour and help the wounded through the power of rehabilitative sports. “Invictus” means “unconquered,” and the spirit of the competition is captured in the words of the 1875 poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley: “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.”

Ninety veterans and serving members with physical or mental-health injuries, wounds or illnesses contracted while with the Canadian Armed Forces were chosen. Sponsored by the military’s Soldier On program, the team is supported by 11 coaches, two athletic trainers, a medical team, a manager and staff. They will compete in 12 adaptive sports at the Games slated for Toronto in September, facing some 500 athletes from 17 allied countries at this, the third Invictus Games.

Retired corporal Bruce Matthews (left) and Master Corporal Mark Hoogendoorn discuss powerlifting techniques.

Sergeant Caroline Cauvin stretches between rowing sessions. She is also on the sitting volleyball team.

Team Canada rowers in motion.

Retired corporal Chris Klodt rertrieves the ball during a wheelchair rugby scrimmage.

Team co-captain Natacha Dupuis checks her pulse after a workout.

Retired sergeant Nic Meunier is participating in golf, archery and wheelchair rugby. He won two silver medals at the Games in Florida last year.

Rugby squad members conduct a drill.

Retired sergeant Kevin Nanson watches play during a rugby scrimmage.

Retired captain Hélène Le Scelleur was aide-de-camp to former governor general Michaëlle Jean. Here, she talks technique with retired medical technician Jackie Buttnor (rear) and retired sergeant Tyron Lincoln while retired corporal Chris Klodt moves in to steal the ball.

Coach Steffa MacLintock (centre) conducts a debrief with rowers.

Retired captain Hélène Le Scelleur helps team co-captain Natacha Dupuis, a retired master corporal, work out a cramp.

Cyclist Mike Trauner doing some roadwork.

Retired corporal Katherine Heath goes through the paces at the pool; she is also a cyclist.

Retired master corporal Mike Trauner on the rowing machine.

To view more images and read other instalments in Stephen J. Thorne’s Portrait of Inspiration project for Legion Magazine, please click below.