FRANCESCA’S STORY: JOURNEY TO THE 2025 INVICTUS GAMES

“Just thinking about competing for Team Canada gives me goosebumps!

It’s the honour of my life to represent Canada at the 2025 Invictus Games. I’m competing in alpine skiing, skeleton, rowing, and wheelchair volleyball. I’ve always been an athlete and I’m so excited to wear the red and white for my family, my fellow Veterans, and the world!

My daily training regimen right now: walk or hike at least 6 kilometres, a 50-60 kilometre bike ride, plus rowing training in my basement.

As we get closer to the Games, I’ll be doing more training camps and also dedicated work with four coaches. It’s going to be a challenge, but I am so here for it.

I was in the Forces for 20 years. I started in the army, in communications, and then into the navy as a MARS Officer. My career in the military came to an abrupt and unexpected end: they “medically released” me as part of the Purge of LGBT servicepeople. Leaving the Forces was blunt and sudden, a bittersweet end to my two decades of service. I remember reeling from the lack of support. For me, like many others, it was a very challenging transition from military to civilian life.

I know people who have ended up on the street, committed suicide. It’s not right. True Patriot Love makes a massive, massive difference with dedicated programs to support  soldiers in transition. Programs that help us and heal us.

“I believe that’s at the heart of the Invictus Games: sport is healing. Healing without medicine. My best healing is sport, exercise, being with other people.”

When you’re with other Veterans, you don’t have to explain. You just lean into each other, and everyone understands without having to talk about it. And, in the case of the Games, everyone understands the mission and we are eager to get out there!

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