This week, no one was expecting to see Prince Harry in Ukraine. He talked with veterans who are suffering as a result of the protracted war. This visit is a perfect demonstration of the Invictus Games Foundation’s dedication to empowering wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, especially in more testing circumstances.
Prince Harry started the Invictus Games in 2014. These games provide seriously injured service members with the tangible opportunity to participate internationally in athletic competition across a range of adaptive sports. The next Invictus Games, the first in the UK, will take place in Birmingham in 2027. The last edition hosted more than 500 participants from 23 countries. This initiative has turned into a very important effort for rehabilitation and recovery for veterans all over the world.
Upon Prince Harry’s visit he was accompanied by a delegation from the Invictus Games Foundation. Four fellow veterans joined him, filling the room with their remarkable stories of recovery. The delegation visited Ukraine at the invitation of Olga Rudneva. She also extended an invitation to Prince Harry to join us at Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, which is happening right here in Vancouver.
Ukraine as an independent team joined the Invictus Games Foundation family represented in 2017 during the Toronto Games. It has since become the very bedrock of the foundation’s mission. For the past year, the Foundation has not only funded rehabilitation efforts in Ukraine, but has kept a medical presence in the country. Through its initiatives, the Foundation has worked closely with Ukrainian veterans and has provided ongoing support to those wounded in the conflict.
Rob Owen, chief executive of the Invictus Games Foundation, said this support was vital.
“This visit to the Superhumans charity in Ukraine underscores the Invictus Games Foundation’s broader commitment to supporting recovery and rehabilitation for wounded injured and sick service personnel and veterans, even in the most challenging environments.” – Rob Owen
Owen further emphasized that Ukraine is still “a central component” of the Foundation’s mission. This visit is further indication of the commitment of the Invictus Games to continue building resilience amongst veterans around the world.
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