Jeff Virgo participated in both the inaugural Invictus Games London 2014 and the Invictus Games Orlando 2016.
- What memory from your Games stands out for you?
I had the honour and pleasure of being able to participate in two Games. The first was the inaugural games in London UK in 2014 which was amazing to be able to compete for Team Canada for the first time. What it meant to be able to share the stories and importance of the Games back home to my community, friends and family was second to none.
But the biggest memory that stands out to me was being able to have both my parents attend the Orlando Games in 2016. They have been in my corner since day one, and it was a nice way to say thank you, but also they got to see me compete in swimming and sitting volleyball. To share that experience with them is something I will never forget. Sometimes it’s the small things that make the heart bigger and having them cheering me on and getting to surround themselves in the spirit of Invictus was just amazing, especially in Disney World.
- What did Invictus mean to you?
It means perseverance, having a good mindset about not what you lost but what you still have. To be able to push oneself in attaining new goals and objectives.
- What advice would you give Team Canada 2025?
Just enjoy every moment from the lead up to the Games, from the team training camps, your individual training and the Games itself. It’s not about the medals, it’s about the journey, and showing yourself what you’re capable of doing. Make new friends and new memories and carry those on with you.
- What did you learn about yourself while training and when competing?
Being able to push myself out of my comfort zone and trying to reach that next level of competition. It also really highlighted how much sports are part of my life, even if it’s just for general health, recreational and quality of life these days.
- How does your life look different now than it did before you went to the Invictus Games?
Invictus provided me with a platform and confidence to do more public speaking engagements. It also provided me with a better understanding on the power of recovery through sports. It allowed me to focus and help in my community with adaptive sports programming and activations. It also provided me a great opportunity to attend the Invictus Games in Toronto in 2017 as one of the ambassadors and supporters of the Games, and be able to share the spirit of the Games with others.