Prince Harry heads to Birmingham! Washington DC snubbed as Invictus Games comes to UK
Birmingham has beaten off competition from cities throughout the world to play host to the Invictus Games.
The city made it into the final two against Washington DC and will host the games in July 2027.
Prince Harry was first inspired to launch the event on March 6, 2014, at London's Copper Box arena to offer international wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women (WIS) a chance to get on the path to recovery.
He wanted to bring the concept to the UK after seeing a British team battle it out in the US Warrior Games held in Colorado in 2013.
The Duke of Sussex, Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, said: “Congratulations to Birmingham, UK, on winning the bid to host the Invictus Games 2027. Your city’s strong ties to the Armed Forces community made it a formidable contender from the very start.
"Over the years, we’ve seen each city bring a unique spirit and vision to life for competitors, their families, and spectators. We have no doubt the people of "Birmingham will join in celebrating the unwavering respect and admiration we have for our veteran and service community, showing the world how their courage ignites hope and unites us all—something your city knows well.”
The city battled it out against six cities from around the world and won due to its strong commitment to the welfare and recovery of serving personnel and veterans.
Invictus will be staged in Britain two years on from the upcoming Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, taking place next year in February.
Lord Allen, Chair of the Invictus Games Foundation, said: “Congratulations to Birmingham! The Trustees were very taken by the depth of passion in the bidding team, the experience they brought to the planning and preparations and to the concept of the NEC as a one-site Games. Our thanks go to the team behind the Washington DC bid who were able to demonstrate the city could be a fantastic location for the future. As the Foundation looks to the next ten years, we’re excited about the Games pipeline we are building, and for the next ten years of Invictus!”
Al Carns, the newly appointed Veterans Minister, will be at today's flag raising ceremony at the NEC, the site of the event.
It will be followed by a demonstration of some of the new sports from the Games, Pickleball and Laser Run, with former competitors from the Invictus Games.
Mr Carns said: “The Invictus Games harness the power of sport to supercharge the recovery and rehabilitation of military personnel and veterans. Our exceptional Armed Forces make countless acts of courage and selflessness in their duties and we will always support wounded, injured and sick personnel and veterans. The Invictus Games are just one way we offer lasting support to personnel and veterans facing illness or injury.”
Birmingham is home to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which receives and treats wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, along with the Royal College of Defence Medicine, which trains UK Clinicians, and the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Stanford Hall, which is regarded as world class.
Stephen ‘Hoops’ Hooper, Team UK Captain for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, said, “It’s awesome that the Invictus Games is coming to Birmingham! This will mean the world to Team UK, not only so their friends and family can watch them compete, but so the British public can cheer them on. Birmingham is a special place for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, as they all come through here at some point. With support from the Royal British Legion for Team UK, Invictus has helped me embrace life again. As we prepare for Canada next year, it’s great to know the Games are coming home in 2027!”
Helen Helliwell, CEO of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, said: “I am honoured our bid has been selected, bringing the Invictus Games back to the UK. At NEC Birmingham, we’ll host the most cohesive, sustainable event in Invictus Games history with all sports, ceremonies, and accommodation on one fantastic site. Beyond the Games, our legacy programs will benefit communities nationwide, from adaptive sports to arts and employment."
