The 2025 Invictus Games for injured military and service personnel kicked off today in Vancouver, dazzling audiences with a star-studded opening ceremony at BC Place. Among the performers were world-renowned artists such as Katy Perry, Nelly Furtado, and Chris Martin from Coldplay, marking the event as one of the most significant yet, according to event producer Patrick Roberge.
Roberge disclosed, "This is the most headliner stars the sporting event has ever seen," with about 800 individuals contributing to the festivities for a crowd of roughly 40,000 attendees. The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, back in 2014, provides injured, wounded, or sick service personnel and veterans the opportunity to compete. This year's event sees participation from up to 550 athletes representing 23 nations and will feature 11 adaptive sports across venues familiar from the 2010 Olympic Games.
This occasion marks the first time the Games have incorporated winter sports, including events like skeleton, skiing, and wheelchair curling. Previous Games primarily consisted of indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby, and wheelchair basketball. Roberge expressed excitement for this year's hybrid format, emphasizing inclusivity as four First Nations co-host the Games, symbolizing the "shared healing" the Indigenous Peoples of Canada experience.
The theme of the opening ceremony, "Paddle Together," reflects the community spirit surrounding the Games. Organizers are enthused about the participation of local communities, according to Roberge, who described the response as "unbelievable" from both artists and community members.
The visual spectacle commenced with four host nation chiefs entering the stadium to the rhythmic beats of drums. Each chief held raised paddles, offering traditional welcomes reflective of the Coast Salish Indigenous culture. The athletes' parade began with Team Germany, wrapping up with the Canadian team, proudly wearing matching blue and black flannel shirts. The audience was treated to a colorful display, with blue banners symbolizing the Pacific coastline, alongside blue pompoms held aloft by spirited audience members.
Prominent figures at the event included Governor General Mary Simon and B.C. Premier David Eby, who addressed the political climate between Canada and the United States during his remarks, noting historical ties and shared sacrifices between Canadian and American soldiers. Eby reinforced Canadian commitment by expressing, "If we ever need you, and it came down to it, I know you'd be there in a second. God bless USA. God bless Canada."
The vibrant atmosphere continued throughout the night as Canadian artist Nelly Furtado opened the performances with enthralling renditions of her hits including "I'm Like A Bird" and "Promiscuous." She was joined by dance troupe Ill Abilities and music producer Mattmac, captivating the audience from the very start. Other performers included Roxane Bruneau, who showcased her talent alongside the 80-person Invictus Games Dance Corp, who had rehearsed diligently since November 2024.
A highlight of the evening was when Chris Martin performed the Invictus Anthem live for the first time, the same anthem he penned for the inaugural Games back in London 2014. His setlist also included beloved Coldplay hits like "Higher Power" and "Viva La Vida," drawing enthusiastic reactions from the crowd. During the final chorus of "Viva La Vida," the camera caught Prince Harry and Meghan sharing the moment with the audience, amplifying the occasion's sense of warmth and community.
Noah Kahan, another notable performer, energized the crowd with his tracks "Northern Attitude" and "Stick Season," adding to the diversity of performances throughout the evening.
The 2025 Invictus Games mark the seventh edition of the event and the second time it has been held on Canadian soil, following the 2017 Games hosted by Toronto. Prince Harry and Meghan will remain present during the event, which runs until February 16, culminating with an exciting closing ceremony at Vancouver's Rogers Arena, featuring acts such as Jelly Roll and Barenaked Ladies.
Governor General Mary Simon, welcoming participants after singing "O Canada," underlined the significance of the Games. She articulated, "Over the next few days, let us celebrate not only the victories but also everything these Games represent: resilience, health and healing, collaboration and respect among nations." These sentiments summarize the aspirations of everyone involved, not just for the competitors, but for the community and nations supporting them.