On the 21st February 2024, Joanne Whyatt, a Lead Instructor at Active Plus, received T-shirts for the Invictus Games – the International adaptive multi-sport event – selection process. At this point, Joanne had no idea she would even make the grade for the official UK Team. The excitement of simply trying was motivation enough.
Joanne was selected!
Joanne became an official Team UK competitor for the Invictus Games 2025, Canada, which was to run from the 8th-16th February 2025. This was the first Invictus Games to feature winter sports, using adaptive equipment for skiing and snowboarding, wheelchair rugby and basketball, and sitting volleyball. Any barriers were broken down – Inclusivity was clear to see – proving anything is possible with the appropriate support.
Fast forward to today, in April 2025, seeing Joanne in an Active Plus project planning meeting, it is hard to imagine the extent of her adventure. Joanne has experienced so much over the last year and yet, here she is, approaching her job at Active Plus with as much commitment, dedication, and fervour as she has for the Invictus Games Team UK efforts, for her nation.
The Active Plus team had known of Joanne’s Invictus Games selection and, for a long time, everyone has been bubbling with excitement, knowing that not only is this a huge privilege, it is also a massive achievement for Joanne on a personal level.
On the 6th February 2025, Joanne was one of 62 competitors who boarded the RAF Voyager – an aircraft which entered Service in 2014 and now primarily used for air-to-air refuelling and air transport – and flew from Birmingham Airport to compete in the Invictus Games 2025 in Vancouver, Canada.
The team members aboard the flight were Veterans or Serving Personnel – all of whom having experienced significant challenges in life as a direct result of the Military Service. The team, which spanned across multiple generations, included competitors with a range of physical and mental injuries, sustained while serving the UK Armed Forces, either at home or abroad. The injuries include visual impairment, amputation, mental health conditions and more. All are supported by the Royal British Legion and the MOD.
Upon landing in Vancouver, Canada, the 62 strong team joined 500 other competitors from 23 nations, all wounded, injured and sick Serving Personnel and Veterans.
The Invictus Games selection process is based on how much a competitor will gain from the training process and competition element – and how it will aid their individual recovery. As Joanne herself says, “It’s about putting yourself outside of your comfort zone”, ultimately knowing it will help the ‘bigger picture’.
Joanne joined the Army when she just seventeen years old and loyally served for twenty-one years. Having been through debilitating physical injury, a mental health breakdown and significant losses, applying herself to competing was never going to be an easy feat but it would be one of the best, most rewarding and uplifting experiences of her life! Being selected, being part of a team, competing – not to mention the trip to Canada with teammates and close family members – all contributed to the extra sparkle Joanne’s spirit conveys. She is a team player with a lot of stories to tell and skills to share.
Joanne openly admitted she wasn’t confident in all the elements of the competition, with swimming being one aspect that she had felt nervous about. BUT she also honestly acknowledges that her victory was always going to be about the taking part; the willingness to try and do her absolute best. There is no doubt, Joanne did herself and her nation proud! Wheelchair Rugby? Joanne was strong – a true star!
The competition, of course, is less about podiums and medals, and much more to do with personal progression, wellbeing development, recovery, and team effort. It’s a demonstration of resilience, confidence and grit. It’s about accepting, facing and even overcoming personal obstacles- whether physical or mental. It’s about finding the smallest ember of light amidst the darkest of times and drawing strength from within to persevere and carry on with steely determination. THAT is the triumph.
As if being selected to compete in the Invictus Games 2025 wasn’t enough, Joanne and the rest of Team UK Wheelchair Rugby Team won a SILVER MEDAL!
It has been a joy to follow Joanne as she documented her experiences on social media throughout the competition, from those first days packing her bag, the boarding of the plane, the lighting of the Invictus Cauldron, through to the Invictus Opening Ceremony, seeing her daughter Elizabeth featuring as the happiest and most proud supporter, making The Final, and being presented with a medal! It has been monumental!
We are SO proud of the whole of Team UK but, naturally, we are especially proud of Joanne, who has demonstrated huge resilience, and overcome a number of personal challenges to get this far.
It is hard to believe that it is already well over a month since Joanne flew back to the UK with her teammates and family. The buzz of the events is still very much present after such an unforgettable week in beautiful Canada. The rest of the Active Plus team are, of course , delighted to have her back safe and sound. We also love hearing all the anecdotes from her Invictus adventures!
True to Active Plus’s ethos, Joanne has broken down barriers, grown in confidence, built resilience and is moving forward positively. There is no doubt that when Joanne is delivering the Active Plus course, she is bringing her own experiences to the table with a view to helping others. As with all our Instructors, she knows what it is to face adversity but, just like the spirit of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, Joanne remains unconquered.
Joanne continues to play for local wheelchair Rugby team, The Celtic Warriors, and regularly travels around the country to take part in various tournaments, and other sports related events.
With Birmingham being the host city for the games in 2027, who knows what the future could hold! One thing is certain, Joanne will always be a winner in our eyes!
If you would like to read more about Joanne’s story leading up to her selection, you can do so here: “I Made It!” – Active Plus
Active Plus are always on hand to help you build confidence, resilience, teambuilding and leadership skills, and can help you to recognise YOUR true potential. If you would like to reach out and find out more, give us a call on 01326 567174 or email us on [email protected]. We would love to hear from you and will be happy to have an informal chat.
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Blog Post: Suzanne Body, Active Plus
Photo Credit: Provided by Joanne Whyatt, Active Plus
