Invictus Games
An international multi-sport event for wounded, injured and ill servicemen and women, both current and former serving personnel. The Games focus on adaptive sports and have been held globally since inception in 2014 by the Duke of Sussex.
WARRIOR
Games
The Warrior Games is a multi-sport event organised by the United States Department of Defense (DoD). It is for wounded, injured or ill service men and women, for current and former serving personnel. The Warrior Games inspired the creation of the Invictus Games. Team Australia has a standing invitation to attend the Warrior Games in years where there is no Invictus Games.
HOW ARE APPLICANTS
SELECTED AND
CATEGORISED
THE PROGRAM THAT DELIVERS THE GAMES
Invictus Australia partners with the Australian Defence Force to deliver the Adaptive Sports Program (ASP) that supports competitors to attend Invictus and Warrior Games. The objectives of this program are to support the recovery, reintegration and rehabilitation of current and former serving military personnel and their families.
BE INSPIRED BY THE INVICTUS SPIRIT
Invictus Australia works collaboratively with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to support former serving members and their families to attend the Invictus Games and other adaptive sport activities.
The word ‘invictus’ means ‘unconquered’. It embodies the fighting spirit of wounded, injured and ill Service personnel and personifies what these tenacious men and women can achieve post injury. The Games harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country.
The Invictus Games is about much more than just sport – it captures hearts, challenges minds and changes lives.
The Games recognise the significant contribution made by family and friends in the recovery process.
FIND OUT WHO HAS COMPETED FOR TEAM AUSTRALIA
THE NEXT INVICTUS GAMES
CANADA
COUNTDOWN TO INVICTUS
GAMES BIRMINGHAM 2027
Invictus games VANCOUVER WHISTLER 2025
8-16 FEBRUARY 2025
The next Invictus Games will see over 500 competitors from 25 nations come together in Canada for the first ever Winter Hybrid Games. Held in both Vancouver and Whistler, 6 new sports will be introduced (Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Nordic Skiing, Skeleton, Snowboarding and Wheelchair Curling) along with 6 core returning sports (Indoor Rowing, Sitting Volleyball, Swimming, Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Rugby.
The 7th Invictus Games in Canada will give wounded, injured and ill veterans the chance to be given greater awareness and recognition in society and to support their path in rehabilitation.
Read more here.
‘Invictus’
by William Ernest Henley
Generations have drawn on the words of William Ernest Henley’s poem for strength during times of adversity. Henley was himself an amputee and the poem reflects his long battle with illness. The title means “unconquered” and the 16 short lines of the poem encapsulate the indefatigable human spirit, which is at the heart of the Invictus Games.
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Invictus Games Foundation
Through sport, the IGF aim to change lives and save lives by offering a recovery pathway for Wounded, Injured, Ill (WII) servicemen and women internationally.
The IGF provide opportunities to the WII community enabling those who get involved to reclaim their purpose, identity and future, beyond injury. Their activities go beyond The Games, helping to support the WII community all year round, establishing regular access to sporting recovery opportunities.
Invictus Games Sydney 2018
Over seven unforgettable days in October 2018, Sydney hosted the fourth instalment of the Invictus Games.
More than 100,000 spectators cheered in the stands and many millions more around Australia and the world were dazzled by the strength, courage and resolve of our wounded, injured and ill active service personnel and veterans.
Beyond the fast and furious competition, we witnessed focus, resilience and determination. We saw incredible displays of friendship, teamwork and respect. We watched on as lives changed in front of our eyes and the power of the unconquerable human spirit shone through. Medal tallies made way for personal bests and camaraderie extended beyond team colours.
During those seven days, the spotlight was thrust on the recovery and rehabilitation of those people who have been injured, both physically and mentally, while serving their country.
Game On Down Under was the rallying cry of Invictus Games Sydney 2018, but the Games were always more than just a one week event. Once the fanfare had subsided, and the lights of the Games had dimmed, our work was only beginning.
INCEPTION OF INVICTUS AUSTRALIA IN 2018
Invictus Games Sydney 2018 marked the beginning of a legacy program to support the growth of adaptive sport programs in Australia, to further personal and professional opportunities for servicemen and women, and above all, to encourage Australians to embrace our wounded warriors every day.
Previously known as Veteran Sport Australia, Invictus Australia was established to support the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families through sport and recreation. Whilst the Invictus Games can shine a spotlight, Invictus Australia helps ensure that veterans can remain active and connected through sport within their local communities without the bright lights of the Games.
We acknowledge the foundation of the Invictus Movement in Australia was laid by countless individuals, groups and Team Australia competitors who came before the inception of Invictus Australia.
One Step At A Time: Rodney’s 560km Journey Of Resilience And Support For Veterans
