The 2025 Invictus Games officially kicked off in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, on February 8, marking the beginning of a nine-day celebration of resilience, courage, and camaraderie among wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women from around the world. Founded by Prince Harry in 2014, the Invictus Games have grown into a powerful symbol of hope and recovery, bringing together over 500 competitors from 23 countries this year. The opening ceremony, held at the BC Place stadium, was a star-studded event featuring performances by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Nelly Furtado, Katy Perry, American popstar Noah Kahan, and Canadian singer-songwriter Rozane Bruneau. The ceremony also drew a sell-out crowd of 40,000 spectators, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who were in attendance to support the athletes and the Games’ mission.
The opening ceremony began with a heartfelt address by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Canada’s first Indigenous governor general, who set the tone for the event by emphasizing unity, strength, and the resilience of the competitors. The parade of national teams followed, with each country entering the stadium to thunderous applause. The crowd erupted in cheers as Team Afghanistan took the stage, while the host nation, Canada, received the loudest ovation. Giant inflatables of a whale and dolphin hovered above the competitors, symbolizing Vancouver’s connection to the Pacific Ocean. Meanwhile, Meghan Markle captured the lively atmosphere on her phone, waving blue pompoms in support of the athletes, while Prince Harry was spotted dancing and mingling with competitors during a pre-ceremony breakfast meeting with the Canadian team.
This year’s Invictus Games introduced several new winter sports, expanding the event’s scope and showcasing the versatility of the athletes. In addition to the core sports—indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby, and wheelchair basketball—competitors will also participate in Alpine skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, biathlon, skeleton, and wheelchair curling. The inclusion of these winter sports highlights the adaptability and determination of the athletes, who continue to push boundaries and redefine what is possible. The addition of these new events also underscores the Games’ commitment to inclusivity and innovation, ensuring that even more participants can take part in the inspiring competition.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were a focal point of the event, bringing their signature warmth and enthusiasm to the opening ceremony. The couple, who arrived in Vancouver via private jet and are staying in a luxurious £5,000-a-night suite at the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel, were greeted with excitement by the Canadian public. Despite facing diminishing popularity in the U.S., the Sussexes are widely embraced in Canada, where their presence has been met with warmth and admiration. During their time in Vancouver, Meghan made an impromptu speech at a private Invictus Games event, expressing her deep connection to Canada and praising her husband’s dedication to the Games. “These Games are like Harry’s family,” she said, highlighting the personal significance of the event to the couple.
The Invictus Games were born out of Prince Harry’s personal experience and inspiration. In 2013, while visiting the Warrior Games in Colorado, an American competition for injured servicemen and women, Harry was moved by the resilience and spirit of the competitors. This experience, combined with his time in Afghanistan, where he witnessed the repatriation of a Danish soldier and the injuries of British servicemen, inspired him to create an international platform for wounded veterans to heal, compete, and inspire. The first Invictus Games were held in London in 2014, and since then, the event has grown into a global phenomenon, hosted in locations such as Florida, Sydney, the Hague, Dusseldorf, and Toronto. This year’s event in Vancouver and Whistler marks the second time Canada has hosted the Games, further cementing its connection to the nation.
As the 2025 Invictus Games unfold over the next nine days, the world will witness extraordinary feats of courage, skill, and teamwork. The athletes, many of whom have overcome life-altering injuries and challenges, will compete in a variety of sports, showcasing their strength and determination. The Games are not just about competition; they are a celebration of the human spirit, a reminder of the power of resilience, and a testament to the enduring bonds of military camaraderie. With its star-studded lineup, inspiring competitors, and heartfelt moments, the 2025 Invictus Games promise to be an unforgettable experience, leaving a lasting impact on all who tune in to watch.
