Invictus Games 2025 Kick Off in Vancouver with Star-Studded Ceremony
The 2025 Invictus Games have commenced in Vancouver, featuring a star-studded opening ceremony and new winter sports. Up to 550 athletes from 23 nations will compete in various adaptive sports.
The 2025 Invictus Games for injured military and service personnel have officially begun in Vancouver. The opening ceremony featured prominent artists such as Katy Perry, Roxane Bruneau, Noah Kahan, Nelly Furtado, and Coldplay's Chris Martin.
Event producer Patrick Roberge stated that this year's event showcases the most "headliner stars" in its history, with approximately 800 performers entertaining a crowd of around 40,000 at B.C. Place.
Founded by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, in 2014, the Invictus Games are dedicated to wounded, injured, or sick service personnel and veterans. This year, up to 550 athletes from 23 nations will compete in 11 adaptive sports in Whistler and Vancouver, utilizing venues that hosted the 2010 Olympic Games.
Notably, this year marks the first inclusion of winter sports, featuring events like skeleton, skiing, and wheelchair curling, in addition to returning events such as indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby, and wheelchair basketball.
Roberge expressed excitement over hosting the first hybrid Games, which are co-hosted by four First Nations to represent the "shared healing journey of Indigenous Peoples in Canada." The theme of the ceremonies, "paddle together," symbolizes the community's unity in hosting the Games.
He mentioned that Chris Martin, who wrote the Invictus Games anthem in 2014, will perform it live for the first time during the opening ceremony, which is anticipated to be a highlight of the show.
Attendee Gabrille Hack, who attended thanks to her mother's volunteering at the event, described the atmosphere as "busy" and "bumping," noting the unique presence of attendees in military outfits.
Fellow attendee Gina Behnke, originally from Germany, noted that Noah Kahan was the "main reason" for her attendance, citing the opportunity to see her favourite artist perform.
The 2025 Games mark the seventh iteration of the event and the second time they have taken place in Canada, following Toronto's hosting in 2017. Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, are expected to participate in the event, which runs until February 16 and will conclude with a closing ceremony featuring artists like Jelly Roll and Barenaked Ladies at Vancouver's Rogers Arena.
