Wade Stache (right) jostles for the ball during a wheelchair rugby match as part of training for the 2020 Invictus Games. The Redcliff native, who now lives in Saskatchewan, is one of the first athletes from that province to head to the games.--Supplied Photo Dept. of National Defence
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
At 55 years of age, and with “wrecked legs” from three decades in the infantry, Wade Stach is one of the oldest members of the Canadian Invictus Games team.
But the Redcliff native says it’s the path that will help him overcome depression caused by chronic ailments and the stress left from serving in some of the world’s most dangerous places.
“It gets me moving, out doing the things that I wouldn’t do, ought to do,” Stach told the News during a phone interview from his home in Regina Beach, Sask. “You’re trying to figure out life after the military. After so long, you get lost trying to become a civilian.”
He and his wife, Elizabeth, retired there three years ago seeking a peaceful, small-town lifestyle, rather than another posting.
Stach joined the Princess Patricia Canadian Light infantry after graduating from high school in the Hat in 1984.
Decades in the infantry were followed by a logistics post as a post-master. He retired as a master warrant officer after 33 years.
But the physical pain continued, and after deployments to Haiti, Bosnia and Afghanistan, he began to realize the psychological toll that time in war and disaster zones had taken.
“Basically I don’t do crowds,” said Stach. “I’d stay home, but some everyday things are pretty difficult. You almost go into a depression. But I knew I had to get out of it.”
Stach is one of 32 members of the Canadian contingent that will head to 2020 Games will be held May 9-16 in The Hague, Netherlands.
Stach will head to San Diego later this month to train with a U.S. Marine contingent.
“I’m trying to live a healthier lifestyle, and it’s got me up and doing things,” he said
He will compete in archery (he’s a recreational hunter), as well as seated stationary rowing, and wheelchair rugby.
As for physical issues, “there’s quite a few actually,” he said.
“Ankle reconstructed, both my achilles tendons are half cut, and my back is pretty much gone, plus wear and tear stuff. It’s hard on the body.”
The Invictus Games are held every two years since 2014 and involve former military personnel in a variety of sporting events. The 2020 event will involve teams from 20 countries.
