At our club meetings we are fortunate to have interesting and engaging speakers. We welcome guests, so check out our schedule!
We recently had a presentation by Rotarian Rob Stewart (Medical Services Lead) and Dr Lauren McBride (psychosocial Services Group Lead). 
The Invictus Games were held in Vancouver and Whistler from Feb 8-17. Sports included wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair curling, sitting volleyball, indoor rowing, swimming, alpine skiing, skeleton, cross-country and biathlons.
537 competitors and about 1,500 “Friends and Family”, from 23 nations, attended the Games. The patron of the Games is Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.
Planning for Invictus Games Medical Services took about 9 months. At Games-time we had 240 medical volunteers, covering first aid, therapy (physiotherapy, massage therapy and chiropractic), physicians, nurses, and first responders. Included in the team were 55 members of the Psychosocial Services Group, comprising mental health professionals (Psychologists and Counsellors), members of the Edgewood Health Network (peer support), members of the Canadian Armed Forces’ Occupational Stress Injury Social Support group (peer support and consultation), and 19 PADS (Pacific Assistance Dog Society) accredited facility support dogs and their human handlers. The PSG team stressed a “trauma-informed” approach to providing care and weee affectionately known as the “purple vests” (because that is what they wore over their yellow uniforms).
During the Games, the Medical team provided medical (not including the PSG team) services to over 600 people, including 60 physiotherapy services and 123 massage therapy visits. In addition, the PSG team recorded about 6,000 encounters (mostly involving the PADS dogs.
The Games went very well. There were no serious injuries; the Medical Services program was extremely well received by the Invictus Games Foundation, Competitors, Friends and Family and Nations representatives; and the PSG team was applauded for integrating trauma-informed care into the training for all Medical Services personnel.
In many senses, participating in these Games was a ‘game-changer’ of sorts: we all were deeply touched by the strength and courage of the Competitors and their supporters, and we were left with moving stories and memories that will stay with us forever.
School of Origin: 
Puppy-Raiser: Cynthia Hlynski
Advanced Sitter: Marley McGonigle
Naming Sponsor: 
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Service Above Self
New Westminster, BC
Canada