The Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 officially closed today in Germany. As they launch their legacy projects, this marks the beginning of Vancouver and Whistler's journey as hosts for the first-ever Invictus Games to feature winter sports. The closing ceremony-which included the official handover of the Invictus Games flag from the Invictus Games Foundation to Canada-celebrated the remarkable achievements of each competitor and their families.
During the closing ceremony, Councilor Wilson Williams, representing the Four Host First Nations, gifted a ceremonial paddle to Team Germany to thank them for their hospitality. Earlier in the week, paddles had been presented to both The Duke of Sussex and to Dominic Reid from the Invictus Games Foundation to honour their commitment to recovery and rehabilitation of international wounded injured and sick service personnel and veterans.
The Invictus Games are a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage and perseverance of all those who have been injured or become ill through their time in the military. They not only showcase the strength and resilience of currently serving members and veteran competitors but also provide a platform for the world to witness the unbreakable bonds of camaraderie and support that define the Invictus community.
The knowledge exchange between the two organizing committees will undoubtedly contribute to the success of the 2025 games, building on the 10 year anniversary of the Invictus Games Foundation in 2025. All partners are already hard at work preparing for this historic event.
The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will bring together more than 500 competitors from up to 25 nations to compete in adaptive sports, including the new winter sports: alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, skeleton, and wheelchair curling, in addition to the core sports of indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby.
