Australian Masters Games - Team RSL
18 - 25 October 2025 - Canberra ACT
Team RSL had an incredible week at the Australian Masters Games
Fourteen RSL members formed Team RSL at the Australian Masters Games in Canberra, competing in Athletics, Archery, Clay and Skeet Shooting, Dragon Boating, Fencing, Lawn Bowls, Sailing, and Swimming.
The team truly gave it their all, achieving outstanding results, an impressive haul of medals, and numerous new personal bests. RSL Australia was proud to sponsor RSL members’ registration as part of the RSL Active initiative, which helps veterans connect through sport and promotes wellbeing, social connections, and camaraderie.
18 October - DAY 1
The opening day delivered immediate success for Team RSL.
Damian won bronze in the shot put and gold in the javelin in his age group.
On the track, Maria claimed gold in the 5000m race.
Kerri kicked off her demanding schedule of Dragon Boat racing, giving her all across a full day on the water.
In the afternoon, Team RSL was officially welcomed by RSL National President Peter Tinley at the RSL National Office. Athletes were then transported to the Australian Masters Games Opening Ceremony Event to get to know each other before the big week ahead.
19 October - Day 2
Momentum continued into Day 2.
Ari finished 3rd overall in Sabre fencing and 1st in his age group, closing out his competition with a gold and a bronze medal.
Damian was back in action, competing in the discus. He came fourth overall. He is supported proudly by the Geelong RSL Sub-Branch.
Kerri powered through another day of Dragon Boat racing, showing endurance and grit.
20 October - Day 3
Wild weather tested competitors, with high winds cancelling sailing and bringing Dragon Boating to an early stop.
In Lawn Bowls, Haydn and Nigel bowled strongly but narrowly missed the finals, while Wayne and Phil won their section and will progress to the finals.
Dan produced an inspiring debut in Recurve Archery, finishing 1st in his category at his very first competition—a major personal victory.
In his final event, Damian claimed silver in the 20lb weight throw, closing out an exceptional Games campaign — especially impressive given he had not competed for 16 years.
Damian - RSL Victoria
“The ongoing support from RSL and competitors has been fantastic for my return to competition. I have found these games competitive but very friendly, and the camaraderie in the competition tent fabulous. A little tentative entering four events, but this has given me the confidence to continue competing and change my life to a more active one. For other Veterans, it is never too late, irrespective of physical or mental injuries, to get active.”
Damain competed in shot put, javelin, discus and weight throwing. He is a member of the Geelong RSL Sub-Branch and is a former member of the 5th/7th Battalion (Mechanised), Royal Australian Regiment and 9th Battalion, Royal Queensland Regiment.
21 October - Day 4
With a lighter schedule on Day 4, all focus turned to Sailing.
Darren and Darryl delivered a strong day on Lake Burley Griffin, navigating light and shifty winds that made for tactical racing in the central basin. Sailing in RS Aeros, both competitors excelled in the conditions. After three races, Darryl and Darren were leading their age groups — an excellent position with nine races still to go.
22 October - Day 5
On the greens, Wayne and Phil lined up for the Lawn Bowls pairs Final, maintaining their strong form. A heavy downpour briefly delayed play, and high winds persisted throughout the match. Both players agreed it was the wettest conditions they’ve ever bowled in. Their grit and good humour paid off, with the pair proudly claiming the silver medal.
Out at the range, Dan was back in action, this time in clay target shooting. After 75 shots, Dan placed 6th in an extremely tight finish, a fantastic effort in his first Games, backed proudly by the RSL Wonthaggi Sub-Branch.
Meanwhile, sailing was cancelled due to very strong winds.
Wayne - RSL Victoria
“Competing in my first Australian Masters Games in Lawn Bowls has truly been an amazing experience. Every match was played in great spirits, filled with camaraderie and friendly competition. It was an honour to represent our RSL team, and winning the silver medal in the pairs event was an unforgettable highlight that made the entire journey even more rewarding.”
Wayne competed in the Lawn Bowls Pairs. Wayne is a Former Navy Petty Officer.
Day 6 - 23 October
Maria won gold in the 8km Cross Country event! She had some furry spectators cheering her on.
Dan was on the range again, this time in Skeet shooting. Dan did very well in his first attempt at skeet shooting. He scored a bronze medal!
On the water, Darren and Darryl maintained their momentum sailing in the RS Aero class, with impressive performances across their races.
Maria - RSL ACT
“A heartfelt thank you to Geoff and the RSL for supporting me and my teammates at the Australian Masters Games this week. Your professionalism, dedication, and support at every event made the experience truly memorable. It was an honour to be part of such an inspiring competition with Team RSL.”
Maria competed in Athletics: the 5000m run and the 8km cross-country run. Maria is a former RAAF CPL.
Day 7 - 24 October
Richard made waves in the pool, swimming in the 25m and 100m freestyle. He won his heats and set personal bests in both events. There was fierce competition with over 120 athletes competing. Richard conquered his own limits and set a new bar for himself. Well done, Richard!
Out on Lake Burley Griffin, Darren and Darryl showcased their sailing skills in light winds. Darryl sailed to gold in his division and age group, while Darren secured his own division win - two golds!
Day 8 - October 25
A memorable week of sports came to a close. The competitors from out of town returned home, and our local champions, Maria, Kerri, and Richard, represented Team RSL at the Australian Masters Games Closing Ceremony. What an incredible week!
Richard - RSL Queensland
“I volunteered to represent the RSL at the Australian Masters Games in Canberra in October 2025. When Geoff Stokes asked if I could swim, my honest reply was, 'Yes, but not very well.' His encouraging response was 'It's about participation,' and so I decided to participate!
I started a training routine, using YouTube videos to improve my technique in areas such as catch-and-pull, flip turns, and breathing. My fitness and swimming ability improved significantly, and I swam well on competition day, despite some less-than-perfect flip turns.
But such is the friendliness and all-are-welcome attitude of the Games, it really is about enjoyable participation.
I want to thank Geoff and the team at RSL Australia for encouraging me to get active and for offering this opportunity. As an individual already involved in volunteer work, I fully recognise the good work the RSL does and was proud to support their mission through my participation.”
Richard competed in the 25m and 100m freestyle swimming events. He is a member of Redcliffe RSL Sub-branch. Richard joined the RAN in 1999, following 23 years in the Royal Navy. He retired from the Permanent Navy in 2017 as a Commander and served several years in the Navy Reserve.
Team RSL Coordinator
Geoff Stokes did an outstanding job of coordinating the Games for Team RSL. Geoff is a former RSL Sub-branch President, dedicated RSL volunteer, former rugby representative coach, and the man behind the RSL Remembrance Ride. Geoff brought a wealth of experience and enthusiasm, and was instrumental in the week's success. Thank you, Geoff!
About RSL Active
This initiative is part of RSL Active, which helps current and former serving ADF members connect through sport and activity. It's all about improving wellbeing, building social connections, and sharing a sense of camaraderie with others from the Defence community.