Birmingham has been chosen to host the 2027 Invictus Games, a prestigious event where injured military personnel and veterans from around the world compete in various sports. This decision comes after Birmingham beat out Washington DC in the bidding process.
The Invictus Games, which were founded in 2014 and have been growing steadily, will be coming to the UK for the first time since the inaugural tournament in London in 2014. Prince Harry, who served in Afghanistan and played a key role in starting the games, praised Birmingham for its strong ties to the armed forces community.
The event will be held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, a city with deep connections to the military. Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital has treated severely injured military casualties from conflicts like Afghanistan, and organizations like the Royal British Legion have supported wounded service personnel.
Team UK captain Stephen “Hoops” Hooper expressed his excitement about the games coming to Birmingham, calling it a special place for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel. The Royal British Legion has been instrumental in helping Team UK members embrace life again through their participation in the Invictus Games.
The financially struggling Birmingham City Council has worked with partners to develop a new delivery model for the event, requiring no financial input from the council. This innovative approach aims to ensure the success of the games while benefiting the local community.
The 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham are expected to feature three new sports – pickleball, laser run, and esports. These additions will provide competitors with new challenges and opportunities to showcase their skills.
Helen Helliwell, the chief executive of Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, has promised that the event will be the most cohesive and sustainable in the history of the games. Legacy programs will be put in place to benefit communities nationwide, ensuring that the impact of the games extends far beyond the event itself.