As the Official Lawyers of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018, last week we were thrilled to kick off our Invictus Games festivities with a cocktail party for clients at the Hyde Park Barracks Museum.

“MinterEllison is inspired by the courage and resilience of the competitors we'll have the pleasure of seeing compete next week, and are proud to be a part of their Invictus Games,” Sydney Office Managing Partner, Nathan Deveson, told guests.

We heard the moving stories of Invictus Games Sydney 2018 ambassadors, Leesa Kwok and Stephen Moore, who spoke about their connection with the Games and their personal experiences around how they have affected them.

Invictus Games competitor, Able Seaman Braedon Griffiths, who we first met while 'flying the Invictus Games flag' on the Sydney Harbour Bridge in August, attended the evening, and spoke about his experiences in the lead up to the Games.

He spoke about his passion for sport. "The Invictus Games have given me an opportunity to prove to myself, my family and friends and other Australians that even through hard times you can still achieve something.

"Without sponsors like you donating what you have, I wouldn't be able to do the things that I love," he told guests.

Guests raised funds for the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 through a silent auction for 'money can't buy' experiences, including Jaguar and Land Rover experiences, a Port Douglas Getaway and a Hunter Valley Wine experience. This will help ensure a successful Games that harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country.

To cap off the evening, flowers from the event were repurposed into individual posies and delivered to brighten the day of residents at two veteran aged care facilities in Sydney.

It was a special way to start the celebrations, and we're deeply proud to be the Official Lawyers and an Official Supporter of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018.

Braedon – who is competing in sitting volleyball, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball – starts his events this weekend, and we're looking forward to cheering him on throughout the Invictus Games!