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Heading to the Invictus Games

Writer's picture: Monica BatekMonica Batek

MJ Batek is a medically retired military veteran and former Invictus Games Athlete who competed in Australia in 2018. MJ experienced career ending physical injuries while training to be one of the first female Artillery Officers in Canada in the early 1990s. She also suffers from complex PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).


This year she was selected out of almost 5000 volunteer applications to give back by serving at this year’s Invictus Games in Vancouver/Whistler February 8-16th, 2025 in a Volunteer role. 1900 volunteers were selected from 18 nations, who speak a total of 36 different languages.


“As injured, wounded or sick military veterans, we generally only get one shot at competing in the Invictus Games in Canada. I am grateful for the life-changing opportunity I had to compete in Australia in 2018 and wanted to give back by serving as a volunteer this year.” Say MJ Batek “I am so grateful I was selected and will be serving on the Opening and Closing Ceremonies team as well as assisting with the Sports competitions.”


The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 is an international adaptive multi-sport event, created by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, in which wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel and their associated veterans compete with the idea that sport can help heal. This year the Games will be held February 8-16, 2025 and will bring together 532 competitors from a record 23 nations to compete in adaptive sports, including the new winter sports: Alpine Skiing and Snowboard, Nordic Skiing, Biathlon, Skeleton and Wheelchair Curling, in addition to the core Invictus Games sports of Indoor Rowing, Sitting Volleyball, Swimming, Wheelchair Rugby and Wheelchair Basketball.


MJ Batek is also a part of the Veterans Artist Collective and is participating in the concurrent Invictus sponsored Art Exhibition entitled “Unconquered”. MJ has 6 original works of art exhibited at The Gallery George in Vancouver and 3 pieces exhibited at the Maury Young Arts Centre in Whistler as part of the Invictus Games Foundation’s commitment to furthering opportunities for veterans. The Exhibition is in support of the upcoming Invictus Games and the creation of positive mental health programs and opportunities for Canada’s Veterans and serving members of the CAF. The Exhibition was displayed during Veterans Week in November 2024 and is running concurrently during the Invictus Games in February, 2025. The exhibition features more than 20 serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans from across Canada, showcasing their artwork.





“My painting, “Determined Hope”, was selected to represent Canada at the International Veterans Art Exhibition held during the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney, Australia. I have been painting ever since and even joined the Cochrane Art Club which has helped immensely with my PTSD. I paint almost exclusively with palette knives and prefer to create large, textured impressionist pieces.”  “My art journey has been so healing and has given me back a purpose since being medically retired. I enjoy creating commissions for people as well as participating in local art shows around Cochrane. Cochrane is home to some truly talented artists and they have helped me overcome so many obstacles.”


Viewers will be able to watch the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, plus the daily recap show as well as a post-Games highlight show which will summarize the best moments from all Ceremonies and events. The Opening Ceremonies will feature Cold Play’s Chris Martin as well as Global Pop Superstar Katy Perry, GRAMMY-Award Nominated, Multi-Platinum Artist Noah Kahan, BC-born Canadian star Nelly Furtado, and Quebec alt-pop sensation Roxane Bruneau. The Closing Ceremonies will feature GRAMMY-nominated, Award-winning Nashville native singer and songwriter Jelly Roll, legendary Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies, and the electrifying Americana duo The War And Treaty to wrap up a lifechanging Games. Throughout the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, TSN’s industry-leading platforms, including SPORTSCENTRE, TSN.ca, and TSN’s official social media accounts, will feature news, updates, and highlights of the inspiring competitor performances as part of their shared journey of recovery. More information is available at www.invictusgames2025.ca

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