Invictus Australia has announced Bupa as its supporting partner for healthcare of the inaugural Invictus Australia Sports Festival this month.
The Invictus Australia Sports Festival 2026, Presented by ATCO, will welcome competitors from host nation Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea centred on sport, recovery and connection. It runs in Perth from 23–25 October.
Competitors will take part in Indoor Rowing, Pickleball, Sitting Volleyball and Swimming, alongside opportunities for the wider veteran community and general public to get involved through community sport.
Bupa’s support will span two areas: the additional element of a Knowledge and Translation Symposium, bringing together leaders from across the Defence, sport, veteran, health and research sectors; and community sport activities designed to give veterans, families and the broader community opportunities to connect and experience the role sport and physical activity can play in health and wellbeing.
Bupa has supported the delivery of health services to Australian Defence Force personnel since 2019, alongside broader work supporting veterans and families through health, transition and mental health services.
The partnership brings together Bupa’s longstanding experience supporting the health of the Australian Defence community with Invictus Australia’s work using sport and physical activity to support recovery, connection and wellbeing during and beyond service.
The Knowledge and Translation Symposium will bring together leaders and nationally recognised voices from defence, sport, government, research and the veteran sector to explore the role of sport in supporting veteran wellbeing and transition from service.
Speakers include general Sir Peter Cosgrove; UNSW Sydney professor Simon Rosenbaum; Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency CEO Brendan Cox; Adelaide University associate professor Miranda Van Hooff; and a number of other exciting representatives.
Topics will include the evidence and opportunities surrounding sport, physical activity and veteran wellbeing, as well as the role preventative approaches can play in supporting healthier outcomes over the longer term.
Bupa will also be involved in community activities at Scarborough Beach on Saturday, 24 October, where veterans, families and members of the broader community will have the opportunity to try a range of sports, connect with others and experience firsthand the inclusive environments that sport can create.
“Bupa shares our commitment to helping veterans and their families thrive through connection, recovery and wellbeing,” Invictus Australia CEO Michael Hartung said.
“The Symposium is an important addition to the Festival, creating an opportunity to bring together experts, practitioners and lived experience voices to explore the evidence and impact of sport in recovery.”
Bupa ADF health services director Peter Livanes said: “Supporting every aspect of wellbeing for the Defence community is vital for achieving the best physical and mental health outcomes, which is why partnering with organisations like Invictus Australia is so important.
“The Invictus Australia Sports Festival showcases the extraordinary strength of the Defence community. By bringing people together through sport, it creates opportunities for recovery, connection and personal achievement, and we’re proud to support an event that makes such a meaningful impact.”
