Invictus Games help heal wounds
JASON Jinks is back in town after taking his best shot at the Invictus Games.
The Clifton Springs 44year-old travelled to Canada late last month to compete in the Games, held annually for sick, injured and wounded returned service men and women.
Mr Jinks had joined the army in 1991 serving in Bougainville and Iraq before leaving in 2016, with lower back problems and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Mr Jinks said he had applied to take part in the Games for a number of reasons.
“To be able to surround myself with truly inspirational people and for my family to see me have the confidence to compete in an unfamiliar environment and see me smile again on a regular basis,” he said. “I wanted to feel like I can achieve something and be part of a team.”
He said competing in the Invictus Games — in both archery and indoor rowing — had played a huge part in his rehabilitation.
“It has given me a reason to get out of the house, to interact with people I normally wouldn’t and it has helped me get back my self-confidence. It has provided me with a sense of achievement,” Mr Jinks said.
“Being selected to be part of the Australian Invictus team has meant the world to me, it makes me feel like I am not forgotten about and I am still part of something.”
Corio federal Labor MP Richard Marles, who is also the Opposition defence spokesman, said Mr Jinks’s story was an inspiring one.
“He embodies the sacrifice made by those who put on our country’s uniform,” Mr Marles said. “Now he puts on another uniform and inspires us all to overcome whatever challenges we face.
“His service to his nation and community, and his cour- age and determination, show all of us just how committed Australia’s serving men and women are.
“It shows the strength of Jason’s character that he’s out there recruiting more people from Geelong to the Games,” he said.