The Invictus Games Foundation (IGF), the charity behind the Invictus Games, has presided over the transition from a one-off inspiring Games in 2014 to a global movement allowing the ‘Invictus Spirit’ to positively influence all levels of society.
People around the world have drawn inspiration from the competitors and their stories of resilience and determination. IGF is the owner of the brand and the selector of future Host Cities.
We ensure that the Invictus Games continue to adhere to the high standards that have been set, responsible for sports rules, branding & competition management, as well as the unique Categorisation process which enables all participants to compete fairly across all sports no matter their impairment type, be it: physical, functional, sensory, or other visible or non-visible injuries.
‘We Are Invictus’ is a free platform exclusively for the global community of wounded, injured and sick (WIS) armed forces personnel, serving or veteran, providing a safe and secure space for the community. The platform provides opportunities, year-round, for recovery through sport activities, adventures and challenges. Accessible to and inclusive of the entire WIS community.
Alongside a peer-to- peer support network, the activities available on the platform range from sports, esports, adventurous challenge, personal development and coaching, employment, volunteering, speaking opportunities and more. The App is free to download from Apple Store or Google Playstore. It can also be accessed via www.weareinvictus.co.uk
“It has opened a new world for me, and I love hearing from other participating Invictus communities. It’s a family and a supportive community and people are there when you need them “
Beyond the Games, we improve the lives of the global WIS community by providing them with the chance to participate in both domestic and international adventurous challenges. The year-round sporting opportunities range from esports, virtual challenges, local runs and marathons to global challenges and expeditions.
“The High Atlas expedition was an opportunity for me to leave 8 years of therapy behind me on the summit of Mount Toubkal. It has given me more self-confidence in both my body and mind.”
In 2014 the Invictus Games made its debut on the world stage; 13 nations competed and, for the first time, a global spotlight was placed on the power of sport to positively influence the recovery journey of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans. 9 years later, Invictus is now represented across 23 nations from every habitable continent on Earth.
The Invictus Community of Nations competes at the Games but also works together in collaboration beyond the Games. A community, building networks through the We Are Invictus platform, rediscovering strength in adventurous challenge supported by Invictus Endeavour Grants and learning together through the IGF Conversation Series; at every turn proving that when veterans from around the world come together, they improve their lives and the lives of others.
Research is vital to developing a deeper understanding of the enduring needs of the global WIS community, influencing how we deliver activity at the Games and Beyond the Games; so that we can fully support the rehabilitation needs of this community. Through building a strong body of evidence about the impact of sport on the WIS community, we can share and influence best practice globally.
We recognise the immense value and role that family and friends of the WIS community have in the successful rehabilitation and recovery of their loved one; and acknowledge the impact this trauma has on their own lives.
By improving access to sport either through the Invictus Games and our Beyond Games activity such as Endeavours, adventure and the online WIS community support portal, We Are Invictus – we are changing lives and saving lives of the WIS community; and extending this support as much as possible to their family and friends who are on this recovery journey with them.
“To me the competitions are great, but it’s what comes outside of the competitions that can lead to the biggest impact. I saw Stuart go from, you know, an injured serviceman to an independent individual. His confidence has grown, which then makes everybody in the family more confident and more independent.”
Amy, wife of an Invictus Games competitor.
In recognition of the role that physical sports can play in the recovery pathway for international wounded injured and sick Service personnel and veterans, the IGF are taking the lessons learnt from supporting the community during Covid19 lockdown and exploring the similar role that esports can play.
This can either be through active esports, such as Zwift or Indoor Rowing, or through gaming. The Foundation has recently received US Government funding for research into creating accessible, adaptive esports for recovery, and are creating pathways for reaching a greater digital community.
“esports is the one place that I can belong that it doesn’t matter that I am broken. Gaming has also helped my mental health giving me a space to de-stress.”
IGF esports survey respondent.
The IGF Conversation is an annual programme of virtual webinars and ‘in- person’ events. The IGF Conversation successfully brings together the international WIS community and professionals, to discuss and share best practice on relevant topics that have ranged from employment, the long-term impact of amputation to the supporting role of friends and family in recovery.
The IGF are dedicated to celebrating the inspirational and unconquerable spirit of the Invictus community, through recognition events and awards.