Australian Defence Force Sport

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) Sports Cell, in collaboration with the three Services, sets the strategic direction for sport in the ADF. This creates an environment for all ADF members to participate and benefit from sport as a competitor, coach or administrator, and recognises the inherent connections between sport, exercise, health and the overall wellbeing of ADF personnel.

Sport in Defence

Sport in Defence can take many forms. There are various pathways that include participation in civilian sport through to representing your Service and the ADF at national and international levels. Each service has a Sports Council to manage their respective sports programs.

At the ADF joint level, sport is managed by the ADF Sports Cell through 3 main programs:

Conventional Sports Program

The Conventional Sports Program is comprised of 30 ADF Sports Associations, with an estimated membership of 10,00 serving ADF personnel.

Each Association is managed by a committee similar to that of civilian sports associations. There are approximately 140 ADF Sports Association committee members.

The Associations build capacity, promote sport within the ADF and ensure that Sports Associations are appropriately meeting the needs of the ADF demographic now and into the future.

ADF Sports Associations normally conduct an Inter-Service carnival annually. Associations need to meet various criteria before being recognised as an ADF Sport.

Adaptive Sports Program

The focus of the Adaptive Sports Program (ASP) is to support the recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration of participants and, through their stories, raise awareness of the issues faced by veterans and families and the life-changing power of sport.

Teams for the Warrior Games and Invictus Games are selected from the ASP, and the program includes domestic overseas activities.

Applications are open to current and former serving personnel from the regular or reserve ADF who have become wounded, injured or ill during or as a direct consequence of their service.

Both events play a critical role in the recovery of the competitor’s family and friends. A dedicated family and friends program including a full schedule of activities and events is included at both the Invictus Games and Warrior Games.

Invictus Games 2025

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now closed for competitors to participate in Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. The Games will be held from 8 - 16 February 2025.

Pacific Sport Program

Sport is a key aspect of enhancing our relationships in the south-west Pacific and offers opportunities to reinforce our people-to-people connections. Through planning and coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Pacific Sports Program delivers quality sports engagements that increase the capacity and capability of our regional partners.

For further information on the DFAT program please visit- DFAT - PacificAus Sports.