Not just a sporting event, the Invictus Games celebrate recovery, perseverance, and the human spirit. Here’s why 2025 in BC is one for the books.
Lily Rosen (she/her) // Crew Writer
Rachel Lu (she/her) // Illustrator
This February, watch something incredible happen right in our backyard. Vancouver and Whistler are hosting the Invictus Games, a global sporting event about much more than just athletics. From February 8 to 16, 532 competitors from 23 nations will come together to compete in a mix of intense and inspiring adaptive sports.
What makes Invictus different? These aren’t your average athletes. They’re wounded, injured or sick service members and veterans who’ve overcome challenges and accomplished athletic feats most of us can only imagine.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, founded the Games in 2014 after completing his deployment in Afghanistan. Shaken by the many injured soldiers he had met, he wanted to commemorate returning veterans. He visited the US Warrior Games Paralympic-style sports competition, inspiring him to launch the Invictus Games. Before arriving in BC, the Games travelled the world, with past events in London, Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, The Hague and Düsseldorf.
At their core, the Games highlight the role of recovery—both physical and mental—and why it matters. Sports, be they non-competitive or full-on training, promote better post-traumatic recovery results. Participating in athletics strengthens the body, of course, but also supports confidence, teamwork and purpose.
To tie it all together, “Invictus” is the Latin word for “unconquered,” taken from William Ernest Henley’s 1875 poem. Henley was a multi-amputee known for his collection of hospital poems written while battling tuberculosis. The Games’ motto, “I AM,” is inspired by the last two lines of the same poem: “I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.” It’s not just a name; it’s a promise.
This year promises to be big. To mark the seventh biennial Invictus Games and its tenth anniversary, two host cities were selected: Vancouver and Whistler. For the first time in Invictus history, winter sports like alpine skiing, Nordic skiing and snowboarding are part of the lineup. The event is also the first to honour the Indigenous land where the Games occur, partnering with the Lil̓wat7úl, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and səlilwətaɬ First Nations.
If you’re considering going, you’ll want to check out the opening ceremony at BC Place. Famous musicians such as Katy Perry, Noah Kahan and Nelly Furtado will take the stage to kick off the Games. And over in Whistler, there’s the Invictus Main Stage featuring free live music featuring Jim Cuddy, Barney Bentall, Five Alarm Funk and more. Finally, the closing ceremony at Rogers Arena will showcase Jelly Roll, Barenaked Ladies and The War And Treaty.
However, let’s not forget what this is really about: the athletes. Team Canada is fielding 56 competitors, each with a unique story encompassing perseverance and talent. Watching them compete—whether it’s on the slopes, the basketball court or the track—is electric. The Games aren’t really about medals. They’re about showing up, pushing through and finding joy in the journey. If you’re curious about the impact of the Games on competitors, consider watching the Heart of Invictus (2023) docuseries on Netflix, but expect some Prince Harry pandering.
There’s more to the Invictus Games than the competitions, too. Vancouver’s Invictus Village at the Convention Centre and Whistler’s at the Whistler Village Stroll are open every day of the Games and free to the public. Check them out for live entertainment, athlete meet-and-greets, sports screenings, interactive exhibits and more with no tickets required.
The Invictus Games provide an extraordinary backdrop for community activities, headlining superstars and, most notably, passionate and powerful competitors. These athletes redefine what it means to persevere, and their stories are worth witnessing in person. Over 10 years of awe-inspiring competition, Invictus has become bigger than sports; why not watch the unconquered conquer?
