Cochrane resident MJ Batek is a medically retired military veteran and former Invictus Games Athlete who competed in Australia in 2018. MJ experienced career ending physical injuries while training to be one of the first female Artillery Officers in Canada in the early 1990s. She also suffers from complex PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
This year she was selected out of almost 5,000 volunteer applications to give back by serving at this year’s Invictus Games in Vancouver/Whistler February 8 to 16 in a volunteer role. 1900 volunteers were selected from 18 nations, who speak a total of 36 different languages.
“As injured, wounded or sick military veterans, we generally only get one shot at competing in the Invictus Games in Canada. I am grateful for the life-changing opportunity I had to compete in Australia in 2018 and wanted to give back by serving as a volunteer this year.” Batek said.
The Invictus Games Vancouver/Whistler 2025 is an international adaptive multi-sport event, created by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, in which wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel and their associated veterans compete with the idea that sport can help heal. This year the Games will bring together 532 competitors from a record 23 nations to compete in adaptive sports, including the new winter sports: Alpine Skiing and Snowboard, Nordic Skiing, Biathlon, Skeleton and Wheelchair Curling, in addition to the core Invictus Games sports of Indoor Rowing, Sitting Volleyball, Swimming, Wheelchair Rugby and Wheelchair Basketball.
Batek is also a part of the Veterans Artist Collective and is participating in the concurrent Invictus sponsored Art Exhibition entitled “Unconquered.” She has six original works of art exhibited at The Gallery George in Vancouver and three pieces exhibited at the Maury Young Arts Centre in Whistler as part of the Invictus Games Foundation’s commitment to furthering opportunities for veterans.
The exhibition is in support of the Invictus Games and the creation of positive mental health programs and opportunities for Canada’s Veterans and serving members of the CAF. The exhibition was displayed during Veterans Week in November 2024 and is running concurrently during the Games in February, 2025. The exhibition features more than 20 serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans from across Canada, showcasing their artwork.
“My painting, ‘Determined Hope,’ was selected to represent Canada at the International Veterans Art Exhibition held during the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney, Australia. I have been painting ever since and even joined the Cochrane Art Club which has helped immensely with my PTSD,” she said.
“I paint almost exclusively with palette knives and prefer to create large, textured impressionist pieces. My art journey has been so healing and has given me back a purpose since being medically retired. I enjoy creating commissions for people as well as participating in local art shows around Cochrane. Cochrane is home to some truly talented artists and they have helped me overcome so many obstacles.”
