Games for sick veterans to return to the UK

Birmingham have been hailed as victorious as they have won the bid to host the next Invictus Games in 2027.

Currently the world is preparing for the greatest athletics competition to commence in Paris tomorrow, however in light of this, more sporting news has been announced that not only benefits the UK, but sick military personnel and veterans who still want to be active.

Established by Prince Harry in 2014, the Invictus Games were created for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans. The Duke got the idea for the games after he visited the 2013 Warrior Games in the US where he witnessed the ability of sport to help both psychological and physical recovery.

The games haven’t returned to the UK since they first took place in London in 2014, although it has recently been announced that they will be hosted in Birmingham in 2027. The UK government-backed £26m proposal saw off competition from the US finalist Washington DC. The event will be staged at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in July.

The focus on the NEC came from connections that the site currently has to the Queen Elizabeth hospital in Selly Oak, which treats wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans. They also have ties with the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, which trains UK clinicians and the groundbreaking Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Stanford Hall.

In a statement, Prince Harry said: ‘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.’

Likewise, Helen Helliwell, chief executive of the Invictus Games in Birmingham 2027, claimed the event will be ‘the most cohesive, sustainable event in Invictus Games history’, with legacy programmes benefiting communities nationwide.

Image: Benjamin Faust

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