An international event organized by Prince Harry, the Invictus Games is a sporting competition for injured and ill military servicemen. It comes to BC in 2025.
The 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler
The Invictus Games is modelled after the Warrior Games in the US, which is also for active and veteran military personnel. The word “Invictus” means “undefeated” or “unconquerable” and is meant to evoke the fighting spirit of those wounded or otherwise harmed in the line of duty.
The first Invictus Games was held in London in 2014. They were founded by Prince Harry who was inspired by a visit to the Warrior Games the previous year. Since then there have been five subsequent Games. Those were held in Orlando in 2016, Toronto in 2017, Sydney in 2018, The Hague in 2022 and Düsseldorf in 2023.
In 2025 the Invictus Games will be held in both Vancouver and Whistler from February 8th to 16th. This is the 7th Invictus Games, with Canada set to become the first country to host the Games more than once. Over 500 athletes are expected to compete at the event representing 20 different countries. The countries invited to participate are mostly from Europe, as well as some from North America, Asia and Oceania.
Vancouver’s Bid
The winning bid for the 2025 Games was submitted jointly by Vancouver and Whistler as well as the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations. They also partnered with the True Patriot Love foundation which supports veterans, active military members and their families.
BC was announced as the host of the event in 2022. This is to be the first Winter Hybrid Invictus Games.
Participants in each event are current or former servicemen and women. The Games are meant to embody how sport can help heal.
Events at the Games
There are eleven different sports at the 2025 Games including swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball and indoor rowing which are at every Games.
In addition, there are going to be adapted winter sports at the Invictus Games for the first time. Expect to see alpine skiing, biathlon, Nordic skiing, skeleton, snowboarding and wheelchair curling.
There are seven different venues announced for the Games, split evenly between Vancouver and Whistler. In Vancouver there will be events held at the Vancouver Convention Centre, Rogers Arena, the UBC Aquatics Centre and Hillcrest Centre.
Whistler will play host to events at Whistler Blackcomb resort, Whistler Olympic Park and the Whistler Sliding Centre.
Other Information
For more information about the event, visit the Invictus Games website.
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
- Vancouver Festivals and Events
- Vancouver Pro Sports Teams
- February Calendar of Events
- FIFA World Cup 2026
