Canada is set to host the first-ever Winter Invictus Games in 2025, following the successful closure of the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 in Germany.
Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex/ Credit: Invictus Games
Vancouver and Whistler were chosen as the 2025 host cities through a competitive bid process.
The Invictus Games, initiated in 2014 by Prince Harry, is a multi-sport event designed for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, encompassing both active-duty personnel and veterans.
The closing ceremony of the Düsseldorf Games included a symbolic handover of the Invictus Games flag from the Invictus Games Foundation to Canada.
The Invictus Games 2025 promises to be a historic event featuring over 500 competitors from more than 20 nations. In addition to core Invictus Games sports like indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby, and wheelchair basketball, the 2025 Games will introduce winter sports, including Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Skeleton, and Wheelchair Curling.
The Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia have collectively pledged $30 million in funding for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, with an additional $1 million allocated to the Soldier On program to train and equip Team Canada. Soldier On, a program of the Canadian Armed Forces, supports the recovery of ill and injured CAF members and veterans through sports and recreational activities.
Previous host cities include London, Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, and The Hague.