Prince Harry's Invictus Games makes major announcement
The Invictus Games Foundation has strengthened its NATO ties.
In a major move, Prince Harry's Invictus Games Foundation has announced it has strengthened its ties with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Richard Smith CBE, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Invictus Games Foundation, addressed an audience at NATO’s Communicators Conference in Athens this week.
Mr Smith spoke of the need to focus on "individuals undertaking their recovery, all those affected by injury or illness" as well as recognition for those serving in the armed forces. He said: "With some commonality in both NATO and the Invictus Community membership, this demonstrates how the two organisations share fundamental values of respect, hope, and belonging, and a clear commitment to servicemen and women, veterans, and their families.
"By valuing the human factor, not just capabilities and equipment, the Invictus Games Foundation can help reinforce NATO’s Moral Component of Fighting Power in creating a culture in which service personnel know their long-term welfare will be safeguarded."
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He also added: "Building on this theme, our work in Ukraine offers further opportunities for future collaboration. The Foundation is working with Ukraine’s Ministry of Veteran Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office to align with NATO’s Op RENOVATOR, while also supporting Ukraine’s ambition to host a future Invictus Games.
"Planned contributions from the Foundation so far include delivery of equipment, a 'physical activity in a box' programme, research to secure resources, and subject matter expertise on recovery and rehabilitation."
His address, added: "In November last year, we presented to NATO’s Military Committee, and more recently attended the ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of Germany’s accession to NATO in Berlin, highlighting the Games’ impact not only on veterans but also on shifting national attitudes to service and defence such as the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023, which helped establish Germany’s first national Veterans’ Day."
The Invictus Games are an international sporting event for wounded and injured servicemen and women both serving and veterans, created by Prince Harry in 2014.
Inspired by the American Warrior Games, the Invictus Games use adaptive sports to celebrate the participants' fighting spirit, inspire recovery, and generate wider understanding and respect for service personnel.
The games now involve 22 nations and focuses on "participation rather than the medal table".
