Rehersals can be FUN!

Finally, The Daily Show J's have assembled. (basically we are the avengers, right?)

Things are happening so fast right now, it’s “buckle up” time.

When my day began, I FINALLY met JJ Chalmers. Better late than never! \

Believe me when I say, you will absolutely adore him.

Before I dive into the day’s many events, can I tell you how JJ responded to me when, while watching our premier “show open” I announced: “warning you, I will cry on this show, I will”. He said, “Jody, you will and you should….we call this an Invictus Moment.”

GULP

(our amazing floor director Jimmy Walsh, who I’ve known since 1996, immediately showed his ever preparedness and tossed me a stylish pack of easily accessible Kleenex….bless you Jimmy.)

I am. We are…..

READY.

It feels good to be complete, as a team of J’s.

JJ Chalmers represents the final puzzle piece, click. It’s like the three of us have known one-another forever.

I must, must, must, introduce you properly to JJ.

JJ is a Former British Royal Marines Commando - served in Afghanistan with Prince Harry, original Invictus Family Member, medalist - and NOW - International Paralympic Broadcaster. Triple threat at these games, to bookend my other co-host a Triple Jump World Record Holder in Jonathan Edwards.

How lucky am I?

Wait, it gets better. Joining the crew for both The Opening Ceremony and The Daily Show premier edition — Tewanee Joseph. He’s like the James Bond of our crew.

Tewanee has, for decades, been at the forefront of First Nations education and awareness in Canada. Instrumental in the collaboration at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games, this event sees another step forward for Tewanee and Indigenous Peoples across the globe.

As a humble learners, we look to Tewanee as our guide. We are allowed to not know, to look to understand, to find the connection to The Creator. Filled to the brim with knowledge and customs - he will help us to paddle together on this Invictus Journey.

As I type this - We are just hours away from the START of the journey. The seventh Invictus Games (every two years) and the first to ‘return’ to a host nation (yay Canada!) and the first to include winter sport (Whistler!).

With hours to go, even the Invictus Games 2025 Vancouver Whistler hosts, nor the Invictus Games Foundation, know what lay ahead. That story is in the hands of our comp competitors, our participants, their family and their friends to experience…. we are here to help amplify it all.

Wondering how to join us?

You can attend events, they are affordable and MOST importantly ACCESSIBLE .. in Vancouver and Whistler.

You will find that many of the events are free. Certainly you can find a spot to become a member of the Invictus Family by lending your heart to the awareness of being Unconquered.

Yes, Founding Patron of Invictus Games Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex is a big deal. If you haven’t watched “Heart of Invictus on Netflix”, you should. There is nothing The Duke would like more than for you to embrace Veterans and those serving in the military.

As we stand ready to deliver the Opening Ceremony and our Premier of The Invictus Games The Daily Show on TSN — it feels surreal.

See you at 1 pm pacific on TSN and 23 Nations World Wide.

• with gratitude.

Jody

*as always, apologies for typos and grammatical errors.