8Ben Peckham will bring the best of his Fijian and Kiwi worlds when he represents the New Zealand Defence Force in the Invictus Games in Sydney, Australia.*

The Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate understanding and respect for wounded, injured and ill active service members and former members.

This year’s event that will be held from October 20 to the 27th will involve competitors from 18 allied nations in 11 different adaptive sports.

The NZDF in a statement says they will be sending a team of 24.

Peckham, who moved to NZ as a 16-year-old, served in Bosnia while in the New Zealand Army.

He left the NZDF about 20 years ago and now lives in Auckland but only recently he was diagnosed with service-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and, subsequently, bi-polar disorder.

He will compete in sailing, discus and powerlifting at the Games.

Peckham says the opportunity to represent NZ at the Invictus Games will give him a chance to express himself through sport.

Peckham who is a father of two says he keeps his Fiji heritage alive for his sons.

He says he is immensely proud to be Fiji-born and represent New Zealand at the Invictus Games.