DOUG McLeod has given a lot for his country.
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And, he will continue to do so when he presents a number of awards at the Invictus Games in Sydney.
The event, from October 20 to 27, is being conducted in Australia for the first time following its inception in 2014.
They were created by Prince Harry as a way for injured servicemen and women to display their courage and competitive edge on the world stage in an Olympic-like setting.
An Aberdeen local, Mr McLeod is also a veteran, having served in Somalia in the early 1990s, after spending several years as part of the first battalion in Townsville.
He was injured and medically discharged in 1994, meaning the Invictus Games holds a special place in his heart.
“It’s just phenomenal, it’s allowing injured servicemen and women to shine still, and to get back their dignity,” Mr McLeod said.
“They’ve probably had the biggest setback of their life being injured in service.
“They’ve come home and fought through not only physical pains but mental pains, the physical disabilities and mental disabilities – and have still got a drive.
“How they do it, I don’t know because I battled.
“I could not have seen myself getting up every day and training, so for these guys to have done that leaves me in awe.
“I’m so honoured to be able to go there and participate in their achievements.”
He will present awards following the 100m sprint at 6pm on Friday, October 26, and said he’s ecstatic to have the opportunity to do so.
“I was extremely honoured,” Mr McLeod explained.
“When they rang me up the other day, it was just phenomenal, an absolute honour.”
He was extremely humble in admitting he doesn’t know exactly why he was one of just five NSW representatives selected as an award presenter.
“I’m not really sure [why I was chosen],” Mr McLeod said.
“I bleed green, I’ve always been very sentimental when it comes to the military, I’m a military kid, it was a large part of my life and I’m just privileged to be selected.”
While he may be struggling to work out why he’s received this honour, everyone around him can see it clearly, as his passion and motivation shines through in everything he does.
