Vancouver, British Columbia is set to welcome the world as it gears up for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, which runs from February 8 to 16, 2025. This international adaptive sports competition will feature wounded, injured, and sick service members and veterans from 23 nations competing in various events spread across iconic venues like Vancouver and Whistler.
The event aims not only to celebrate the spirit of competition but also to highlight the resilience of participants, as they engage in sports such as wheelchair curling, alpine skiing, and swimming. The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, aim to provide recovery opportunities through sport, promoting camaraderie among service personnel and their families.
“I know how much you love to serve; in many instances, you live to serve. So we will continue to serve and inspire people,” Prince Harry stated, emphasizing the significance of the Games and the powerful stories they embody.
At the forefront of ensuring participants have a seamless travel experience is Vancouver International Airport (YVR), which has collaborated closely with various stakeholders including Musqueam Nation and local federal agencies. YVR President and CEO Tamara Vrooman expressed pride in the airport’s role, stating, “YVR has proven expertise in welcoming the world to major events... We look forward to celebrating the remarkable competitors.”
YVR is putting extensive measures to create accessible facilities for all athletes and attendees. Enhancements include quiet rooms, autonomous pods for mobility assistance, dedicated Customs lanes for competitors, and additional staff to assist with specialized equipment and baggage. Impressively, YVR will serve around 600 competitors across multiple flights, handling over 270 pieces of oversized baggage and 77 wheelchairs during the two days surrounding the event.
The medals to be awarded at the Games are equally significant. Designed by Levi Nelson, a contemporary Indigenous artist from the Lil’wat Nation, these medals boast multiple symbols reflective of Indigenous culture. Nelson stated, “I was overwhelmed to see gold, silver, and bronze medals bearing my designs... It was very moving to see Coast Salish elements rendered in gold.”
Nelson’s designs are inspired by various Coast Salish symbols, incorporating themes of unity, continuity, and strength. The process of creating the medals involved collaboration with other First Nations artists, emphasizing community spirit. “We are the people of the land, and this is our traditional territory,” Nelson remarked, framing the medals as representative of more than just achievement—signifying cultural pride and resilience.
The Opening Ceremony, taking place at BC Place, is expected to attract significant public attention with performances from global music stars like Katy Perry and Chris Martin. This marks the first time the Invictus Games will feature winter sports, enhancing the event's format to include various adaptive disciplines such as biathlon and skeleton alongside established events like wheelchair basketball and indoor rowing.
Beyond the sporting competition, the Invictus Games represent the power of community support and adaptation, creating spaces where stories of service members can inspire global audiences. Athletes sharing their journeys will continue the Games’ mission of encouraging respect and recognition for veterans.
Vancouver and Whistler's scenic backdrop will undoubtedly provide stunning venues for athletes to showcase their skills, and organizers are committed to ensuring all activities are as inclusive and accessible as possible. Attendees will benefit from expanded transport services as TransLink prepares to navigate thousands of visitors to various venues.
“We are prepared to take athletes and spectators to the Invictus Games,” stated TransLink during the event preparations, reinforcing its commitment to accessibility throughout the event.
The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 is more than just competitive spirit; it encapsulates the healing and transformative power of sport. Public anticipation is building, as the cities prepare to not only host but celebrate the extraordinary journeys of those who have served their country.
With the month leading up to the Games, excitement is palpable among both participants and attendees who look forward to joining together to uplift, celebrate, and honor both competitors and their remarkable stories.