Birmingham secures 2027 Invictus Games after a successful bid
Earlier this month, our partners at the Invictus Games Foundation (IGF) made the exciting announcement that Birmingham, UK, has secured the bid to host the 2027 Invictus Games. Beating six other countries for the opportunity, Birmingham was successful thanks to their “strong commitment to the welfare and recovery of serving personnel and veterans.” (IGF)
Invictus Australia welcomes this exciting announcement and is excited to see the Games return to the UK as we approach the ten-year anniversary since the inaugural London Games in 2014.
Congratulations to Birmingham on their successful bid to host the 2027 Invictus Games. As we approach the 10th anniversary of the Games’ inspiring debut in London 2014, it’s particularly fitting to see them return to the UK.
Birmingham promises to be a fantastic host city, providing a platform for wounded, injured, and ill veterans to showcase their resilience and sporting spirit on the world stage. Invictus Australia is particularly excited by the introduction of pickleball and esports, due to our established relationships with both sports in Australia which are already working to support the participation of veterans and their families.
We look forward to supporting Australia’s participation at the Games in Birmingham”
The 2027 Invictus Games will be held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and will feature core Invictus Games sports, with the addition of pickleball, laser run and esports. Our sporting partners Pickleball Australia and Veteran Gaming Australia shared in our excitement of this news.
“It will be very exciting to see esports featured in the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 as it highlights the evolving landscape of competitive sports. This inclusion complements the spirit of the Invictus Games by showcasing resilience, determination and camaraderie amongst competitors, helping to further inspire and unite servicemen and women”. – Samuel Harris, Founder & CEO of Veteran Gaming Australia.
Brendan Lee, Executive Officer of Pickleball Australia, mirrors Samuel’s excitement.
“Pickleball Australia is delighted to hear the news that pickleball is to be included at the Invictus Games to be hosted in Birmingham in 2027”.
“Over the past 12 months in Australia we have seen the Invictus community embrace the sport of pickleball and we look forward to supporting these veterans on their journey toward Birmingham in 2027”.
Official Press Release – Invictus games foundation
The Invictus Games Foundation is delighted to announce the host city of the Invictus Games 2027 will be Birmingham, UK.
The Board of Trustees had previously shortlisted Birmingham UK and Washington DC, USA as the two final cities in the running for hosting the eighth Invictus Games, after initial interest from 6 cities. Following presentations from both bidding teams earlier this year, the Birmingham bid was awarded the Games, highlighting the venue choice of the National Exhibition Centre, the innovative new sports and the demonstration by the bidding team of their commitment to the welfare and recovery of the international cohort of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.
The Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 will be held in July 2027, two years on from the upcoming Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, taking place next year in February.
Lord Allen, Chair of the Invictus Games Foundation, said, “Congratulations to Birmingham! The Trustees were very taken by the depth of passion in the bidding team, the experience they brought to the planning and preparations and to the concept of the NEC as a one-site Games. Our thanks go to the team behind the Washington DC bid who were able to demonstrate the city could be a fantastic location for the future. As the Foundation looks to the next ten years, we’re excited about the Games pipeline we are building, and for the next ten years of Invictus!”
Congratulations to Birmingham, UK, on winning the bid to host the Invictus Games 2027. Your city’s strong ties to the Armed Forces community made it a formidable contender from the very start. Over the years, we’ve seen each city bring a unique spirit and vision to life for competitors, their families, and spectators. We have no doubt the people of Birmingham will join in celebrating the unwavering respect and admiration we have for our veteran and service community, showing the world how their courage ignites hope and unites us all—something your city knows well.”
As part of the announcement by the Invictus Games Foundation, a flag raising ceremony attended by the newly appointed Minister for Veterans and People, the Rt Hon Al Carns OBE MC will be held on the morning of the 23rd July at the NEC, the site of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027. This will be followed by a demonstration of some of the new sports from the Games, pickleball and laser run, with former competitors from the Invictus Games.
Minister for Veterans and People Al Carns, said, “The Invictus Games harness the power of sport to supercharge the recovery and rehabilitation of military personnel and veterans. Our exceptional Armed Forces make countless acts of courage and selflessness in their duties and we will always support wounded, injured and sick personnel and veterans. The Invictus Games are just one way we offer lasting support to personnel and veterans facing illness or injury.”
Stephen ‘Hoops’ Hooper, Team UK Captain for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, said, “It’s awesome that the Invictus Games is coming to Birmingham! This will mean the world to Team UK, not only so their friends and family can watch them compete, but so the British public can cheer them on. Birmingham is a special place for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, as they all come through here at some point. With support from the Royal British Legion for Team UK, Invictus has helped me embrace life again. As we prepare for Canada next year, it’s great to know the Games are coming home in 2027!”
Nearby connections to the site of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 include the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which receives and treats wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, the Royal College of Defence Medicine, which trains UK Clinicians, and the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Stanford Hall, a world class military rehabilitation asset.
Helen Helliwell, CEO of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, said “I am honoured our bid has been selected, bringing the Invictus Games back to the UK. At NEC Birmingham, we’ll host the most cohesive, sustainable event in Invictus Games history with all sports, ceremonies, and accommodation on one fantastic site. Beyond the Games, our legacy programs will benefit communities nationwide, from adaptive sports to arts and employment.
Ends
About Invictus Australia: Invictus Australia is the NFP responsible for organising the Invictus Games Sydney 2018. We carry on the legacy of the Games every day in local communities, as all veterans and their families can benefit from involvement with sporting communities, particularly ‘at risk’ veterans. As well as promoting the physical, social and emotional benefits of sport, Invictus Australia shines a light on the unique needs of younger veterans and the challenges they face as they transition from military to civilian life.
Looking to get involved in sport in your region? Connect with our staff through your region’s Facebook group or email support@invictusaustralia.org
- ACT Local Facebook Group
- SA Local Facebook Group
- Sth East QLD Facebook group
- Nth NSW Local Facebook Group
- NSW Sth Coast Local Facebook Group
- Victoria Facebook Group
- WA Facebook Group
