FIGHTERS WHOSE WILL IS STRONGER THAN THEIR BODIES

Mission

The Invictus Games are designed to promote the recovery and rehabilitation of veterans and service members who have been injured, traumatized, or fallen ill during or as a result of their service in combat zones.

Our goal is to promote the development and popularization of sport as an effective means of rehabilitation among wounded defenders, as well as to encourage society and the state to create the necessary conditions for this.

The Invictus Games in Ukraine support Ukrainian military personnel and veterans on their path to physical recovery, psychological rehabilitation, and social integration, shaping a positive outlook and motivating them to engage in sports and personal growth.

We believe that action is much more productive than sympathy. For almost 10 years, we have been building a community that brings together people with similar experiences and helps them overcome the consequences of injuries, trauma, and illness with the support of their families, comrades, and society.

values

Support.We believe that the support of comrades, families, friends, and society is the foundation for successful recovery from injuries and trauma.

Inspiration. We are convinced that defenders should receive adequate opportunities for rehabilitation and return to civilian life, regardless of the type and severity of their injury, trauma, or illness. That is why we provide tools for post-traumatic growth and expand sports disciplines that are accessible to people with disabilities.

Dedication. We support participants in their desire to achieve new goals and mobilize society to support Ukrainian soldiers on their path to recovery and return to life.

Respect. We respect the experiences of our participants and strive to create a community based on respect for each person’s experience and mutual understanding.

Courage. Courage begins long before a soldier enters their first battle. It begins with the responsible personal choice to stand up for what is right. We are inspired by the indomitable spirit of our participants and strive to step outside our comfort zone and look boldly toward the future.

History

Invictus is Latin for “unconquered.” This word embodies the indomitable spirit of men and women who have been wounded, injured, or fallen ill while performing their duties on the battlefield. They have endured difficult trials, but they have not let them break them. They have proven that self-belief and the support of loved ones are always stronger than circumstances.

The experience of military service leaves a lasting mark on the bodies and minds of the men and women who have served their country with dedication. What challenges do they face? What role does sport play in recovery from injury? How can we, as a society, build a supportive and comfortable environment for people with disabilities and support them on their road to recovery?

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, not only asked these questions, but also tried to answer them.

2027

The eighth Invictus Games (and sixth for Ukraine) will take place on July 10-17, 2027, in Birmingham, Great Britain.

2025

he seventh Invictus Games (and fifth for Ukraine) took place on February 8-16, 2025, in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada.

2023

he sixth Invictus Games took place in 2023 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

2020

In May 2020, the international Invictus Games were to take place in The Hague, but due to COVID-19, they were postponed to 2022.

2018

n 2018, Australia became the fourth country to host the Invictus Games. Participants from 18 countries, including Ukraine, came to the “upside-down” Games and competed in 11 adaptive sports.

2017

The third Games in Toronto, Canada, held in September 2017, became the largest competition in the history of the Invictus Games, and were remembered throughout Ukraine as the first performance of our national team.

2016

The second Games were held two years later, in May 2016, in Orlando, Florida, USA, with a total of 500 participants from 15 countries. The third Games in Toronto, Canada, held in September 2017, were the largest Invictus Games in history, and were remembered by all of Ukraine as the first appearance of our national team.

2014 – 2013

In 2013, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, visited the Warrior Games in the USA and saw the important role that sport can play in the rehabilitation of wounded and injured servicemen and veterans. In 2014, the Invictus Games Foundation, founded by Prince Harry, held the first Invictus Games in London, with 400 athletes from 13 countries participating.