{{Short description|International multi-parasport event}} {{about|the disability sport competition|the Hungarian video game company|Invictus Games (company)}} {{Distinguish|text=Invictus Gaming}} {{EngvarB|date=August 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Infobox sporting event organization |name = Invictus Games |image = Invictus Games logo.svg |caption = |abbreviation = |motto = I AM |formation = 2014 |recurrence = |last = |purpose = |headquarters = 24 Old Bond Street<br>London, England {{postcode|W|1S|4|AP}} |leader_title = Governance body |leader_name = '''Founding patron:'''<br /> Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex<br />'''Chairman:'''<br />Lord Allen of Kensington<br />'''Chief Executive:'''<br />Rob Owen <br />'''Deputy Chief Executive:'''<br />Richard Smith <br />'''Trustees:'''<br />Karen Briggs<br />Conny Wenting<br />Jonathan Edwards<br />Nick Loughran<br />Glenn Keys<br />David Richmond<br />Joanna Roper |website = {{Official website}} |remarks = }}
{{Disability sidebar}}
The '''Invictus Games''' is an international multi-sport event first held in 2014, for wounded, injured and sick military service personnel, both serving and veterans. The word ''invictus'' is Latin for 'unconquered', chosen as an embodiment of the fighting spirit of the wounded, injured and sick service personnel and what they can achieve, post-injury.<ref name="invictusgamesfoundation.org">{{Cite web |title=Aims and Origins – Invictus Games Foundation |url=https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/foundation/story/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221004318/https://www.invictusgamesfoundation.org/aims-and-origins |archive-date=February 21, 2024 |access-date=2021-04-06 |website=Invictus Games Foundation |language=en-GB}}</ref>
The Invictus Games were founded by Prince Harry, when he was joint patron of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, along with Sir Keith Mills, and in partnership with the Ministry of Defence. Inspiration for the Invictus Games came from Prince Harry's 2013 visit to the Warrior Games in the United States, where he witnessed the ability of sport to help both psychologically and physically.<ref name="invictusgamesfoundation.org"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Past Programmes |url=https://royalfoundation.com/past-programmes/ |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=Royal Foundation |language=en-GB}}</ref>
==Launch== The Games were launched on 6 March 2014 by Prince Harry at London's Copper Box arena, used as a venue during the 2012 Olympics. Having seen a British team competing at the US Warrior Games held in Colorado in 2013, Harry wished to bring the concept of a similar international sporting event to the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26467714 |work=BBC News |title=Prince Harry launches Paralympic-style games for soldiers |date=6 March 2014 |access-date=6 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/what-this-inspiring-contest-means-to-me-9174093.html |title=What this inspiring contest means to me|work=London Evening Standard |date=6 March 2014 |access-date=6 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/mar/06/prince-harry-invictus-games-injured-troops-olympic-park |title=Prince Harry launches Invictus Games for injured troops at Olympic Park |newspaper=The Guardian |date=6 March 2014 |access-date=6 March 2014}}</ref><ref name=USATODAY-2014-03-06/> With the backing of Mayor of London Boris Johnson, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Ministry of Defence, the event was put together over ten months.<ref name=Independent-2014-03-06/><ref>{{cite news|last=Jobson |first=Robert |url= https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/london-will-host-prince-harrys-version-of-the-warrior-games-9173472.html |title=London will host Prince Harry's version of the Warrior Games |newspaper=London Evening Standard |date=6 March 2014 |access-date=9 March 2014}}</ref> £500,000 of funding for the project came from the Endeavour Fund, an arm of the Royal Foundation Prince Harry had created specifically for veterans' recovery, with an equal amount being pledged by Chancellor George Osborne from Treasury funds generated by fines imposed on banks as a result of the Libor scandal.<ref name=Independent-2014-03-06>{{cite news|first=Adam |last=Sherwin |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/prince-harry-wins-1m-funding-in-libor-bank-fines-to-help-stage-invictus-games-for-injured-servicemen-and-women-at-the-olympic-park-9173832.html |title=Prince Harry wins £1m funding in LIBOR bank fines to help stage 'Invictus Games' for injured servicemen and women at the Olympic Park |newspaper=The Independent |publisher=Independent Print Limited |date=6 March 2014 |access-date=6 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.canada.com/Prince+Harry+launches+Invictus+Games+wounded+veterans/9586276/story.html |title=Prince Harry launches 'Invictus Games' for wounded veterans |publisher=Postmedia News |date=6 March 2014 |access-date=7 March 2014}}</ref> The Games were also sponsored by Jaguar Land Rover.<ref name=USATODAY-2014-03-06/> Speaking at the launch, Prince Harry said that the Games would "demonstrate the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and demonstrate life beyond disability".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-harry/10679969/Prince-Harry-launches-Invictus-Games-for-wounded-servicemen.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307000938/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-harry/10679969/Prince-Harry-launches-Invictus-Games-for-wounded-servicemen.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 March 2014 |title=Video: Prince Harry launches Invictus Games for wounded servicemen |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=6 March 2014 |access-date=6 March 2014}}</ref> He also said that their long-term objective was to ensure that injured troops are not forgotten as Britain's involvement with the War in Afghanistan comes to an end.<ref name=Independent-2014-03-06/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/news/travel_2_2766/prince_harry_calls_for_public_support_for_september_s_invictus_games_for_disabled_soldiers_1_3401906 |title=Prince Harry calls for public support for September's Invictus Games for disabled soldiers |newspaper=East London Advertiser |date=7 March 2014 |access-date=7 March 2014 |archive-date=7 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307232328/http://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/news/travel_2_2766/prince_harry_calls_for_public_support_for_september_s_invictus_games_for_disabled_soldiers_1_3401906 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Boeing was announced as a sponsor in 2018 and became a presenting partner in 2023 before ending the partnership in 2026.<ref name="BA-PF">{{cite news|url=https://www.newsnationnow.com/entertainment-news/prince-harry-invictus-games-on-life-support-poole-resign-australia/|title=Prince Harry’s Invictus Games on life support amid budget crisis|work=NewsNation|first=Paula|last=Froelich|date=13 May 2026|access-date=14 May 2026}}</ref>
==Host cities== {| class="wikitable sortable" !align="center"|Edition !align="center"|Year !align="center"|City !align="center"|Country !align="center"|Venue !align="center"|Nations !align="center"|Opening ceremony !align="center"|Closing ceremony |- | align=center|1 | align=center|2014 | London | {{flag|United Kingdom}} | Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park | align=center|14 | {{dts|10 September 2014}} | {{dts|14 September 2014}} |- | align=center|2 | align=center|2016 | Orlando | {{flag|United States}} | ESPN Wide World of Sports | align=center|15 | {{dts|8 May 2016}} | {{dts|12 May 2016}} |- | align=center|3 | align=center|2017 | Toronto | {{flag|Canada}} | Air Canada Centre | align=center|17 | {{dts|23 September 2017}} | {{dts|30 September 2017}} |- | align=center|4 | align=center|2018 | Sydney | {{flag|Australia}} | Sydney Olympic Park | align=center|18 | {{dts|20 October 2018}} | {{dts|27 October 2018}} |- | align=center|5 | align=center|2020{{efn|The 2020 Invictus Games were held in 2022, after initially being postponed to 2021, but later being postponed to 2022, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.}} | The Hague | {{flag|Netherlands}} | Sportcampus Zuiderpark | align=center|17 | {{dts|16 April 2022}} | {{dts|22 April 2022}} |- | align=center|6 | align=center|2023 | Düsseldorf | {{flag|Germany}} | Merkur Spiel-Arena | align=center|21 | {{dts|9 September 2023}} | {{dts|16 September 2023}} |- | align=center|7 | align=center|2025 | Vancouver-Whistler | {{flag|Canada}} | Vancouver Convention Centre | align=center|23 | {{dts|8 February 2025}} | {{dts|16 February 2025}} |- | align=center|8 | align=center|''2027'' | Birmingham | {{flag|United Kingdom}} | National Exhibition Centre | align=center| | {{dts|10 July 2027}} | {{dts|17 July 2027}} |- |}
{{notelist}}
==Invictus Games Foundation== thumb|Medals from London 2014 The Invictus Games Foundation is the owner of the brand and the selector of future Host Cities. It is responsible for sport and competition management, rules, categorisations and branding.
The bidding process for future Games started in November 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=BIDDING PROCESS OPEN FOR ASPIRING HOSTS OF FUTURE INVICTUS GAMES|publisher=Invictus Games Foundation|url=http://www.invictusgamesfoundation.org/games/2014/news/141117-bidding-process-open|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715113152/http://www.invictusgamesfoundation.org/games/2014/news/141117-bidding-process-open|archive-date=15 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Governance=== The people who govern the foundation are:<ref>{{cite web|title=Behind Invictus|publisher=Invictus Games Foundation|url=https://www.invictusgamesfoundation.org/behind-invictus}}</ref>
*Patron: Prince Harry *Chairman: Charles Allen, Baron Allen of Kensington
;Trustees *Melanie Richards *Paddy Nicoll *Karen Briggs *JJ Chalmers *Conny Wenting *Jonathan Edwards *Edward Lane Fox *Nick Loughran
;Staff: *Chief Executive Officer: Dominic Reid (2014–25){{,}} Rob Owen (2025–) *Deputy Chief Executive Officer: Richard Smith *Chief Development Officer: Helen D'Oyley *Communications Director: Sam Newell *Grants and Programme Director: Mickaela Richards *Finance Director: Ruth Paul *International Development Director: David Wiseman *Head of Partnerships: Nick Smith *Digital Communications Manager: Paul Saunders *Endeavours Programme Manager: Fiona Cranswick *Operations Manager: Caroline Davis *Invictus Community Liaison Executive: Josh Boggi *Invictus Endeavours Administrator: Angelo Anderson *Grants and Operations Support Executive: Maria Ribeiro
===Ambassador=== Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula One World Champion, was appointed the first ambassador;<ref>{{cite news|title=Stevenage driver Lewis Hamilton named as Invictus Games ambassador|publisher=ITV News|url=http://www.itv.com/news/anglia/update/2015-06-27/stevenage-driver-lewis-hamilton-named-as-invictus-games-ambassador/|date=27 June 2015|access-date=13 May 2016}}</ref> he visited Tedworth House before the announcement.<ref>{{cite web|title=LEWIS HAMILTON UNVEILED AS FIRST AMBASSADOR FOR INVICTUS GAMES FOUNDATION|publisher=Invictus Games Foundation|url=http://www.invictusgamesfoundation.org/news/lewis-hamilton-ambassador|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715175134/http://www.invictusgamesfoundation.org/news/lewis-hamilton-ambassador|archive-date=15 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> In July 2015, Lewis invited some Invictus Games athletes to the British Grand Prix.<ref>{{cite web|title=He's busy getting ready 4 #BritishGP but @lewishamilton spent time meeting #InvictusGames competitors |publisher=Invictus Games Twitter account|url=https://twitter.com/WeAreInvictus/status/616944871870492672}}</ref>
===Finances=== In 2024, the foundation reduced the amount of direct funding provided to veteran groups by 63 percent, lowering grants from £534,973 to £200,328.<ref name="budget">{{cite news|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/policy/articles/prince-harry-invictus-games-faces-192524285.html|title=Prince Harry's Invictus Games faces funding questions after $63M spend|work=NewsNation|first=Paula|last=Froelich|date=30 April 2026|access-date=9 May 2026|via=Yahoo! Finance}}</ref> During that same period, the organisation's income increased by 41 percent, it introduced a new executive position with a six-figure salary, and its cash reserves climbed to £2.3 million.<ref name="budget"/> Its top-earning employee received compensation estimated between £120,000 and £130,000, exceeding the usual pay range within the UK nonprofit sector.<ref name="budget"/> Meanwhile, legal expenses rose sharply from £45,000 to £150,000, and deferred income expanded significantly, increasing from £431,950 to £1.79 million.<ref name="budget"/>
==History== ===2014 Invictus Games=== {{main|2014 Invictus Games}} thumb|Four runners from Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States during a 100-metre qualifying heat at the 2014 Invictus Games thumb|Three American defenders knock the ball away from an Australian player during a wheelchair rugby pool match between the United States and Australia at the 2014 Invictus Games The first Invictus Games were held in London on 10–14 September 2014.<ref name=Independent-2014-03-06/><ref name=USATODAY-2014-03-06>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2014/03/06/prince-harry-launches-invictus-games-for-wounded-vets/6123635/ |title=Prince Harry launches 'Invictus Games' for wounded vets |work=USA Today |date=6 March 2014 |access-date=6 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Adams |first=Sam |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/what-are-the-invictus-games--3212319 |title=What are the Invictus Games? |newspaper=Daily Mirror |date=6 March 2014 |access-date=6 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/world/prince-harry-launches-invictus-games-for-soldiers_916249.html |title=Prince Harry launches Invictus Games for soldiers |publisher=Zee News |date=6 March 2014 |access-date=6 March 2014}}</ref> Around 300 competitors from 13 countries which have fought alongside the United Kingdom in recent military campaigns participated. Competitive events were held at many of the venues used during the 2012 Olympics, including the Copper Box and the Lee Valley Athletics Centre. The Games were broadcast by the BBC.<ref name=Independent-2014-03-06/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/prince-harry-launches-sports-event-wounded-soldiers-5859730 |title=Prince Harry launches sports event for wounded soldiers |work=One News |publisher=TVNZ |date=7 March 2014 |access-date=12 March 2014}}</ref>
14 countries were invited to the 2014 Games, 8 from Europe, 2 from Asia, 2 from North America and 2 from Oceania. No countries from Africa were invited. Teams from all the invited countries, except Iraq, took part.
The closing concert was broadcast on BBC Two, hosted by Clare Balding and Greg James.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ringwood |first=Shaun |url=http://www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/Invictus-Games-Closing-Concert-BBC-tonight/story-22920953-detail/story.html |title=The Invictus Games – Closing Concert on BBC Two tonight featuring Foo Fighters, Kaiser Chiefs, Ellie Goulding & Diversity |publisher=Local World |newspaper=Scunthorpe Telegraph |date=14 September 2014 |access-date=15 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140917004505/http://www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/Invictus-Games-Closing-Concert-BBC-tonight/story-22920953-detail/story.html |archive-date=17 September 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The concert was hosted by Nick Grimshaw and Fearne Cotton, with live performances from Foo Fighters, Kaiser Chiefs, James Blunt, Rizzle Kicks, Bryan Adams and Ellie Goulding.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/i721225-8/invictus-games-closing-ceremony-nick-grimshaw-and-fearne-cotton.html |title=Invictus Games go out on a high with Foo Fighters, Ellie Goulding and more |website=Digital Spy |date=14 September 2014 |access-date=15 September 2014 |archive-date=22 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222213708/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/i721225-8/invictus-games-closing-ceremony-nick-grimshaw-and-fearne-cotton.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Paine |first=Andre |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/music/invictus-games-closing-concert-queen-elizabeth-olympic-park--music-review-foo-fighters-frontman-dave-grohl-dedicated-my-hero-to-all-the-heroes-9732799.html |title=Invictus Games Closing Concert, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – music review: Foo Fighters singer Dave Grohl dedicated My Hero to 'all the heroes' |newspaper=London Evening Standard |date=15 September 2014 |access-date=15 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=McCormick |first=Neil |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/live-music-reviews/11095378/Invictus-Games-closing-concert-Olympic-Park-review-heroic-endeavour.html |title=Invictus Games closing concert, Olympic Park, review: 'heroic endeavour' |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=15 September 2014 |access-date=15 September 2014}}</ref>
===2016 Invictus Games=== {{main|2016 Invictus Games}} [[File:Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman narrates for the opening ceremony (26904746425).jpg|250px|right|thumb|Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman narrates for the opening ceremony to the 2016 Invictus games in Orlando, Florida]] On 14 July 2015, Prince Harry announced the 2016 Invictus Games would take place from 8–12 May 2016 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.<ref>{{cite web|title=PRINCE HARRY ANNOUNCES SECOND INVICTUS GAMES IN ORLANDO|publisher=Invictus Games Foundation|url=http://www.invictusgamesfoundation.org/news/2016-announcement|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160502013725/http://www.invictusgamesfoundation.org/news/2016-announcement|archive-date=2 May 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
On 28 October 2015, Prince Harry, USA's First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Lady Jill Biden launched Invictus Games 2016 at Fort Belvoir.<ref>{{cite web|title=PRINCE HARRY JOINS FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA AND DR. BIDEN TO OFFICIALLY LAUNCH INVICTUS GAMES ORLANDO 2016|publisher=Invictus Games Foundation|url=https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/news/2016-invictus-games-launch|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081447/https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/news/2016-invictus-games-launch|archive-date=4 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
U.S. Invictus wheelchair basketball team members celebrate their gold medal win at the 2016 Invictus Games|250px|right|thumb In order to bring Invictus Games to the US, Military Adaptive Sports Inc. (MASI) was created, and worked to build on the success of the Invictus Games 2014 held in London.<ref>{{cite web|title=Military Adaptive Sports Inc. (MASI)|publisher=Invictus Games 2016|url=http://invictusgames2016.org/about-invictus-2016/usa-host/|access-date=29 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023195717/http://invictusgames2016.org/about-invictus-2016/usa-host/|archive-date=23 October 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ken Fisher served as chairman and CEO for Invictus Games Orlando 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=Prince Harry Announces 2016 Invictus Games Coming to United States|publisher=Invictus Games 2016|url=https://www.invictusgames2016.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Invictus-Games-Announcement.pdf|access-date=16 July 2015|archive-date=26 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526143526/https://www.invictusgames2016.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Invictus-Games-Announcement.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
All 14 countries from the 2014 Games were invited back, while Jordan was the only new invitee.<ref name="2016 Countries">{{cite web|title=Countries|url=http://invictusgames2016.org/countries/|website=Invictus Games 2016 – Orlando – May 8–12 – ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex|access-date=12 May 2016|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160515105443/http://invictusgames2016.org/countries/|archive-date=15 May 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===2017 Invictus Games=== {{main|2017 Invictus Games}}
Toronto hosted the 2017 Invictus Games in September 2017 during Canada's sesquicentennial. Building from hosting the Pan American and Parapan American Games in 2015, Toronto's organizers planned to feature more competitors, nations and sports—such as ice events—than previously.<ref>{{cite press release |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Prince Harry Announces Third Invictus Games in Toronto |url=https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/news/invictus-games-toronto-2017 |location=London |publisher=Invictus Games Foundation |agency=The Canadian Press |date=16 March 2016 |access-date=2016-03-16 |archive-date=23 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323022754/https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/news/invictus-games-toronto-2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Unlike prior Games which were hosted at a single site, multiple venues around the Greater Toronto Area hosted the 12 sporting events and opening and closing ceremonies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.invictusgames2017.com/venues/|title=2017 Invictus Games Venues – Locations, Descriptions & Photos|access-date=20 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/03/16/toronto-to-host-invictus-games-and-prince-harry-in-2017.html|title=Toronto to host Invictus Games and Prince Harry in 2017|author=Dan Taekema|date=16 March 2016|work=thestar.com|access-date=9 May 2016}}</ref> The Air Canada Centre hosted the ceremonies. Fort York National Historic Site hosted the archery; Nathan Phillips Square hosted wheelchair tennis; Ryerson University's Mattamy Athletic Centre hosted the indoor rowing, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby; St. George's Golf and Country Club hosted the golf; The Distillery District hosted the Jaguar Land Rover driving challenge; High Park hosted cycling; Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre hosted swimming, sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball; and York Lions Stadium hosted the athletics.
Michael Burns was the CEO for the 2017 Games, and the official mascot for the Games was Vimy, a Labrador.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/04/29/meet-vimy-the-2017-invictus-games-mascot.html|title=Meet Vimy, the 2017 Invictus Games mascot|author=Oliver Sachgau|date=29 April 2016|work=thestar.com|access-date=9 May 2016}}</ref>
All 15 countries from the 2016 Games were invited back, with new invitations going to Romania and Ukraine.<ref name="2017 Countries">{{cite web|title=Countries|url=http://invictusgames2017.com/nations/|website=Nations – Invictus Games 2017|access-date=20 June 2017|language=en-US}}</ref>
===2018 Invictus Games=== {{main|2018 Invictus Games}} Bids to host the 2018 Invictus Games closed in December 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/contact/faq|title=FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS|publisher=Invictus Games Foundation|access-date=2016-05-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605091736/https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/contact/faq|archive-date=5 June 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Gold Coast in Australia announced its intention to bid, using facilities built for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/local-sport/gold-coast-to-bid-to-host-prince-harrys-invictus-games/news-story/36aff7f824746f8cb298dc22ce3455e1|title=Gold Coast to bid to host Prince Harry's Invictus Games|newspaper=Gold Coast Bulletin|date=5 November 2015}}</ref> In November 2016, Sydney, Australia, was announced as the host city.<ref>{{cite news |title=Prince Harry names Sydney as 2018 Invictus Games host |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-37961013 |work=BBC News |date=14 August 2017}}</ref>
Patrick Kidd was the CEO. The Royal Australian Mint released a commemorative $1 coin featuring Braille text in the lead-up to the Games.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Invictus Games Commemorative coin released|url=https://finance.nine.com.au/personal-finance/invictus-games-commemorative-coin-released/4f712003-071e-4fb3-b56f-d7bd24d1f294|access-date=2021-07-19|website=finance.nine.com.au}}</ref>
All 17 countries from the 2017 Games were invited back, with an invitation extended to Poland.<ref name="2018 Countries">{{cite web|title=Countries|url=https://www.invictusgames2018.org/the-games/nations/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222053259/https://www.invictusgames2018.org/the-games/nations/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=22 December 2017|website=Nations – Invictus Games 2018|access-date=19 December 2017|language=en-US}}</ref>
Off the back of the Invictus Games in Sydney, legacy organisation ''Invictus Australia'' was set up to continue to support veterans and their families through sport within Australia beyond the games period.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hartigan |first=Brian |date=2021-12-09 |title=Invictus Australia launch continues legacy of Invictus Games Sydney 2018 |url=https://www.contactairlandandsea.com/2021/12/09/invictus-australia-launch-continues-legacy-of-invictus-games-sydney-2018/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=CONTACT magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> It had partnerships with the Australian Sports Commission<ref>{{Cite web |title=ASC-Invictus partnership to showcase power of sport |url=https://www.sportaus.gov.au/media_centre/news/asc-invictus-partnership-to-showcase-power-of-sport |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Australian Sports Commission |language=English}}</ref> and Volunteering Australia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-27 |title=New Partnership with Invictus Australia |url=https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/invictus-partnership/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |language=en-AU}}</ref> In May 2026, the government of Australia stated that it would discontinue its $9 million funding pledge to Invictus Australia in the 2026 budget,<ref name="BA-PF"/> a decision that was eventually reversed later in the same month.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/invictus-australia-government-funding-restored/5694c932-fbe1-4b6c-a27b-7fac2cad6440|title=Victory for Invictus Australia: Federal government reinstates funding for crucial charity|work=9Now|first=Brianna|last=Scully|date=28 May 2026|access-date=28 May 2026}}</ref>
===2020 Invictus Games=== {{main|2020 Invictus Games}} The games were to be held on 9–16 May 2020 at the Zuiderpark Stadion in The Hague, Netherlands,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://invictusgames2020.com/|title=Invictus Games|website=Invictus Games|language=nl-NL|access-date=2019-10-18|archive-date=3 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503160502/https://invictusgames2020.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref> but were postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They were then postponed again to the spring of 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-invictus-games-postponed-coronavirus|title=Prince Harry's Invictus Games postponed to 2022 due to coronavirus pandemic|publisher=Fox News|first=Stephanie|last=Nolasco|date=19 March 2020|access-date=19 March 2020}}</ref> The new dates were 16 April to 22 April 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Invictus Games The Hague 2020 |url=https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/games/the-hague-2020// |website=Invictus Games Foundation |access-date=10 January 2021 |archive-date=18 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718232711/https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/games/the-hague-2020/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In April 2021, it was announced that ''Heart of Invictus'', a Netflix documentary series in partnership with Invictus Games and Archewell, would surround the competitors from the 2022 Invictus Games.<ref name="deadlinei">{{cite web |title=Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's Archewell Productions Scores First Netflix Order With Invictus Docuseries |url=https://deadline.com/2021/04/prince-harry-meghan-archewell-productions-first-netflix-order-invictus-1234728343/ |website=Deadline |date=6 April 2021 |access-date=6 April 2021}}</ref> Prince Harry would executive produce the series and appear on camera. The funding from the documentary series would go to the Invictus Games Foundation, and their work supporting international wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.<ref name="deadlinei" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/new-netflix-series-to-cover-the-invictus-games-foundation-and-the-journey-to-the-invictus-games-the-hague-2020/|title=New Netflix series to cover the Invictus Games Foundation and the journey to the Invictus Games The Hague 2020|work=Invictus Games Foundation|date=6 April 2021|accessdate=24 April 2022|archive-date=5 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240705051447/https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/new-netflix-series-to-cover-the-invictus-games-foundation-and-the-journey-to-the-invictus-games-the-hague-2020/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===2023 Invictus Games=== {{main|2023 Invictus Games}} thumb|An industrial climber installs a large poster for the Invictus Games 2023 in Düsseldorf
thumb|Closing event of the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf 2023, entry United Kingdom
The Games were to be held in 2022 in Düsseldorf, Germany,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/ig2022-announcement/|title=HRH The Duke of Sussex announces the Invictus Games 2022 will be held in Düsseldorf, Germany|publisher=The Invictus Games Foundation|date=15 January 2020|access-date=15 January 2020|archive-date=16 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116002225/https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/ig2022-announcement/|url-status=dead}}</ref> in the Merkur Spiel-Arena.<ref>duesseldorf.de: [https://www.duesseldorf.de/aktuelles/news/detailansicht/newsdetail/deutschland-richtet-die-invictus-games-2022-in-duesseldorf-aus-1.html ''Deutschland richtet die Invictus Games 2022 in Düsseldorf aus'']</ref> Following the postponement of the 2020 Games to 2022, the Düsseldorf Games were postponed to 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 |url=https://www.invictusgames23.de/en |website=www.invictusgames23.de |access-date=6 July 2020 |archive-date=6 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706133955/https://www.invictusgames23.de/en |url-status=dead }}</ref>
===2025 Invictus Games=== {{main|2025 Invictus Games}} On 22 April 2022, the Duke of Sussex announced that the 2025 Games will take place in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada.<ref name="Karstens-Smith1" /> It is the first edition of Invictus Games to feature winter adaptive sports, including alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, skeleton and wheelchair curling.<ref name="Karstens-Smith1">{{cite news |last=Karstens-Smith |first=Gemma |date=22 April 2022 |title=Invictus Games to feature winter sports for 1st time when Vancouver, Whistler host in 2025 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/invictus-games-vancouver-whistler-2025-1.6427369 |work=CBC News |access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref> The bid to host the Games was submitted by True Patriot Love Foundation, in partnership with the Government of Canada, the province of British Columbia and the two Canadian municipalities and in partnership with the local Lil'wat, Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh indigenous nations.<ref name="Karstens-Smith1"/>
===2027 Invictus Games=== In July 2024, it was announced that Birmingham will be hosting the 2027 Invictus Games, which will be held at the National Exhibition Centre.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckdg9wgzeyko|title=Birmingham to host 2027 Invictus Games|work=BBC News|first=Chloe|last=Hughes|date=23 July 2024|access-date=23 July 2024}}</ref>
For the first time pickleball is expected to be included in the Invictus Games. Carlisle-based Gaz Golightly, a military veteran and amputee, lobbied for inclusion of the sport after trying various wheelchair sports and deciding pickleball was by far the most inclusive for wheelchair users.<ref name="PB52Invictus">{{cite web |last1=Dale |first1=Mike |title=Pickleball to be included in 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham |url=https://www.pickleball52.com/invictus-games-2027-birmingham-pickleball/ |website=pickleball52.com |publisher=Pickleball52 |access-date=25 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250225022829/https://www.pickleball52.com/invictus-games-2027-birmingham-pickleball/ |archive-date=February 25, 2025 |date=July 23, 2024}}</ref>
===2029 Invictus Games=== On 17 June 2025, the Invictus Games Foundation announced that six expressions of interest were submitted for the 2029 Games;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.invictusgamesfoundation.org/news/invictus-games-foundation-receives-a-record-six-expressions-of-interest-to-host-the-invictus-games-2029|title=Invictus Games Foundation Receives a Record Six Expressions of Interest to host the Invictus Games 2029|date=17 June 2025|publisher=Invictus Games Foundation}}</ref>
* Aalborg, Denmark * Abuja, Nigeria * Daejeon, South Korea * Kyiv, Ukraine * San Diego, United States * Veneto, Italy
==See also== {{Portal|Sports}} *Help for Heroes *IWAS World Games *Military sports *Military World Games *Paralympic Games
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category|Invictus Games}} * {{Official website|www.invictusgamesfoundation.org}} * {{EW charity|1159482}}
{{Events at the 2018 Invictus Games}} {{Multi-sport events |state=collapsed}} {{Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex}}
* Category:Disabled multi-sport events Category:Military sports competitions Category:Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex Category:Recurring sporting events established in 2014 Category:2014 establishments in the United Kingdom Category:NATO