Proud Biripi man and Petty Officer Jarryd Boyd, a physical training instructor with the Royal Australian Navy, has faced significant physical and mental challenges following a series of injuries.

At 35, Mr Boyd has undergone multiple surgeries on his left ankle and right knee, resulting in osteoarthritis.

An accident at work caused Mr Boyd to experience loss of sensation in his left arm and reduced grip strength, compounded by lower back injuries.

The setbacks have downgraded his medical classification, preventing him from serving at sea after nearly 16 years of service.

"For the better part of the last few years, I've let my injuries be the excuse for a lot of things. It's been a setback," Mr Boyd said.

Recognising the unlikelihood of returning to sea, Mr Boyd viewed his selection for the Invictus Games as a pivotal moment.

He said the opportunity has shifted his mindset and reignited his competitive spirit.

"Being selected for Invictus has actually changed the way that I think a lot about things, and it's given me a drive to be competitive again," he said.

He noted the Games have provided both a professional justification to continue his Navy career and personal motivation to embrace adaptive sports.

Growing up in Drummoyne, sport played a significant role in Mr Boyd's life.

Despite initial nerves at the Invictus training camp, Mr Boyd quickly bonded with his teammates, finding camaraderie and mutual support.

"Everyone is here to support each other," he said.

Mr Boyd, now a facility manager at HMAS Penguin and operations manager for Navy AFL, credited his recovery to his family's unwavering support.

His immediate family, along with his mother and parents-in-law, will join him in Canada to watch him compete in events including alpine skiing, skeleton, wheelchair rugby, swimming, and indoor rowing.

As an Indigenous Australian, Mr Boyd takes pride in his heritage and its influence on his identity.

Wearing the Australian kit, which reflects a cultural connection to First Nations peoples, makes his participation even more meaningful.

"It's something that I'm proud of and something I tell my kids to be proud of, too," he said.

Mr Boyd said he is also looking forward to engaging with Canada's Indigenous cultures as part of the Games.

The Invictus Games, an international adaptive sporting event for wounded, injured, or ill military personnel, begins on February 8 in Vancouver and Whistler, offering participants an opportunity to rebuild pride and determination through sport.