LOCAL Navy veteran Grant Jonty is participating in the inaugural Virtual Tour de Force in support of the Invictus Games with a local Coffs team.

The challenge that has been put to the veteran community, and which Grant has accepted, is to follow the route of the world’s most iconic cycle race – Tour de France.

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Setting off at 9am last Monday, 27 September, Grant pedalled away from the steps of Coffs’ Legacy Shop and Veterans Centre in Scarba Street.

Over the next three weeks, he and members of the veteran community will combine to cover the 3,418km route using upright/recumbent/hand cycles.

“Grant is using the opportunity to bring local veterans and ex service organisations together with the aim of creating a supportive community where we all work together,” Jane Sury, Legacy Community Liaison, told News Of The Area.

The Invictus Games Sydney took place in 2018, positively highlighting that even through injury we can harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate wider understanding and respect for those who not only serve their country, but those who have suffered similar physical and mental injuries in the community.

The Games was and is about so much more than sport – it captures hearts, challenges minds and changes lives.

The Invictus Games Foundation (IGF) was established following the success of the inaugural games in 2014.

It continues to support all those men and women of the armed forces by creating opportunities through sport outside of the games.

Grant said, “It will be a tough challenge, and I would love to see members of the community coming out to support me.”

He hopes this ride will be a catalyst to bring local community organisations together to realise the vision of establishing a veteran community based around sport, family and mateship.

To find out more about how to hop into the ride over the next couple of weeks, contact Mid North Coast Veterans Centre on 5621 8108 or Jane Sury at Coffs Coast Legacy on 1300 534 229; or donate directly to Invictus Games Foundation.

“Legacy is grateful to have a great working relationship with our local veteran centre and we wish the team well with the challenge,” said Jane.