Students from across VSB had a unique opportunity to witness the power of sport and resilience firsthand at a special Invictus Games event in Vancouver. The event, that brought together several schools, introduced students to sitting volleyball, a key adaptive sport featured in the Invictus Games 2025. 

Among the participants were Grade 5/6 students from Oppenheimer Elementary, who had the rare opportunity to learn directly from Danielle Ellis, captain of the Canadian sitting volleyball team and Paralympic bronze medallist. With Ellis’ guidance, students stepped onto the court to experience the fundamentals of sitting volleyball—a fast-paced, inclusive sport played by both able-bodied and para-athletes. For many students, this was their first exposure to adaptive sports, and the experience shifted their perspective. 

"I always thought sports were about running around, but seeing sitting volleyball has been an eye opening experience for me," said Rick Baba, a Grade 5 student from Oppenheimer Elementary. 

Beyond learning new skills, the event was an opportunity for students to reflect on themes of perseverance and adaptability – core values of the Invictus Games. 

“When the students were first introduced to sitting volleyball, they didn’t fully appreciate the level of athleticism required,” says Callan Hoffman, a teacher at Oppenheimer Elementary. “But after experiencing it firsthand, they realized how challenging the sport can be. It created a sense of empathy and understanding for all athletes, regardless of ability.” 

With Vancouver and Whistler as hosts of the Invictus Games in 2025, the event helped spark excitement among students, inspiring many to learn more about the competition and the athletes who will take part. 

“For me, being able to teach kids – whether they are able-bodied or disabled – is important because it spreads the message that everyone should have the chance to play sports,” says Ellis. “It’s about showing the next generation that there are many ways to overcome challenges.” 

As Invictus Games 2025 continue, events like this serve as a reminder of the power of sport to unite, inspire and challenge perspectives.