Invictus Games
A multi-national sporting event for wounded, injured and ill Servicemen and women, held globally since its inception in 2014 by the Duke of Sussex.
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.
The next Invictus Games
Canada
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.
ADF ADAPTIVE SPORT PROGRAM
The Adaptive Sports Program connects current and former serving military personnel with local adaptive sport communities and organisation around Australia.
Team Australia
Meet Australia’s Invictus Games competitors:
2023 Dusseldorf
2022 The Hague
2018 Sydney
2017 Toronto
2016 Orlando
2014 London
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.
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.
