The 2025 Invictus Games officially opened on February 8, 2025, at Vancouver's BC Place, marking the beginning of a week-long celebration of courage and resilience among wounded, injured, and sick service members and veterans.
This year’s event is particularly special as it also introduces winter sports for the first time, allowing competitors to take part in eleven adaptive sports throughout Vancouver and Whistler. With over 500 athletes from 23 nations converging, the Games have transformed BC Place, where the atmosphere felt electric with excitement.
The opening ceremony, which drew over 40,000 fans, featured remarks from prominent figures including Prince Harry, who founded the Invictus Games back in 2014. His presence alone drew significant attention, as he passionately spoke about the event's mission to highlight the leadership and example set by competitors. "Your leadership did not end when you stepped off the battlefield or took off the uniform," Prince Harry proclaimed, eliciting tears from visibly moved athletes and spectators.
Premier David Eby of British Columbia and Governor General Mary Simon also took the stage to address the importance of the Games and to honor the resilient spirit of the athletes. Eby, who acknowledged the strong connection between U.S. and Canadian military personnel, stated, "Canadians will always be there for the U.S.,” reinforcing the bond shared between the two nations built on years of comradeship.
Musically, the event was nothing short of spectacular. Notable artists like Chris Martin from Coldplay, whom many know for his heartfelt compositions, debuted the Invictus Anthem live, which he originally penned for the inaugural Games. Adding to the star-studded lineup were performances from Canadian sensation Nelly Furtado, American pop icon Katy Perry, and artists such as Noah Kahan and Roxane Bruneau, who energized the crowd with their vibrant performances.
Furtado’s medley, which included hits like “I'm Like A Bird” and “Spirit Indestructible,” set the tone for the event as concert-goers held up blue pom-poms, creating what was described as a ‘sea of blue’ inside the stadium. The emotional weight of the night was palpable, as audience members celebrated the athletes’ resilience through the lens of music and community.
Significantly, the 2025 Invictus Games are co-hosted alongside four Indigenous Nations: the Lil̓wat7úl, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ. The Games are not only about sports, but also about healing and reconciliation, creating space for Indigenous communities to be represented and acknowledged throughout this global event. Event producer Patrick Roberge noted, "The four First Nations co-hosting the Games represent the shared healing journeys of Indigenous Peoples in Canada," which emphasizes the inclusive spirit of the occasion.
The Games will showcase adaptive winter sports including skiing, snowboarding, and skeleton, alongside traditional sports like rowing and wheelchair rugby. It is hopeful the expansion to winter sports will inspire more individuals and communities, encouraging others to recognize the power of sport as it pertains to recovery.
Throughout the event, athletes will have the opportunity not just to compete but to bond over shared experiences and showcase their journeys of healing to their families and supporters cheering them on from the sidelines.
With various performances and sports events scheduled until February 16, 2025, the Invictus Games captures the essence of humanity's drive to overcome adversity and inspire communities worldwide. Intrigued spectators can catch daily highlights across multiple platforms, ensuring the heartwarming stories of these brave athletes resonate far and wide.
The 2025 Invictus Games truly marks not just another sports event, but also reinforces the values of resilience, community, and the indomitable human spirit, as witnessed throughout this remarkable opening ceremony.