On Thursday March 12, the 10 th annual U.S. Marine Corps Trials concluded at Camp Pendleton, near San Diego. An adaptive sports competition for wounded, ill or injured serving military personnel and veterans, this year’s event featured more than 250 athletes from seven countries. Apart from the broader goals of promoting recovery through adaptive sports and developing camaraderie among participants, Team Canada also used the opportunity to help prepare for the Invictus Games in The Hague 2020. “It was an honor to be part of Team Canada and to participate in the Trials,” says Rock Ferland, Co-Captain for Team Canada. In addition to honing his skills, Ferland particularly appreciated the chance to connect with athletes from other nations and build camaraderie and new friendships. “There’s so much we can learn from each other’s challenges and triumphs,” he says. Team Canada is composed of 14 serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces and 17 veterans, all of whom acquired an illness or sustained a physical or mental health injury while serving Canada. The team took part in 10 of the 11 sports featured including: archery, cycling, golf, powerlifting, indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby. “Team Canada won many medals, but more importantly the team showed tremendous sportsmanship throughout the competition,” says Joe Kiraly, Senior Manager of Communications and Outreach at Soldier On. For Kiraly, one of the most impactful moments was when Canadian athlete Joanne Bradley slowed her pace in the 1500m race to help encourage a fellow competitor from another nation. “We couldn’t be more proud of our athletes as they continue on their journey towards rehabilitation and recovery,” he says. Using the transformative power of sport, Soldier On has supported approximately 6,000 members since its inception in 2007, and remains committed to supporting veterans and serving CAF members with a permanent mental health or physical injury as they adapt to their new normal. To learn more about how you can make a difference, click here.