More than 500 Athletes from 20 different communities visited Vancouver and Whistler for the 2025 Invictus Games. The event kicked off with an opening ceremony on Feb 8th at BC Place with performances from artists such as Chris Martin, Katy Perry, Noah Kahn, and Nelly Furtado, along with inspirational speeches from event organizers, senior members and the founder Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.
The games originated in 2013 when Prince Harry visited the Warrior Games in the United States, a multi-sport competition for wounded, sick, and injured veterans from various branches of the American Department of Defence. Prince Harry, who had previously been deployed in Afghanistan with the British Military, saw how much the games inspired and helped heal all the veterans on their recovery journeys and desired to create an international version of the games to help connect more communities.
A year later, the Invictus Games debuted in London, England. The games are supported by the Invictus Games Foundation, a charity founded by Prince Harry that supports wounded, injured and sick service members and veterans.
As the 2025 games were held in Vancouver and Whistler, this marks the first time the games have included winter adaptive sports such as alpine skiing, nordic skiing, and skeleton alongside other traditional events. This is the sixth iteration of the games.
This year’s games are being hosted on four First Nations lands, Squamish, Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Lil’wat. Prince Harry acknowledged the honour of holding the games hosted on their lands during his opening ceremonies speech and emphasized the shared healing journey of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This is all reflected in the medals in the games, which have been designed by an Indigenous designer, Levi Nelson from the Lil’wat nation, along with designers from each of the Nations the games are hosted on.
As for the games themselves, they highlight the power of sport as a recovery tool for those who have been wounded, injured or fallen ill during service. The event provides a supportive environment where athletes can share their journeys, and inspire others facing similar challenges. Many athletes participate in multiple events as they foster mental resilience, confidence, and a sense of purpose. As for many athletes, the games are not about winning a medal, for them it’s just about finishing and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with it.
The closing ceremonies took place on Feb. 16 at BC Place with energetic performances from Canadian favourite artists like the Barenaked Ladies and American rapper Jelly Roll.
Looking ahead, the next games will be held in Birmingham, England in 2027.