Invictus Games Düsseldorf postponed to 2023

The Invictus Games Düsseldorf have been postponed by one year to summer 2023. This decision was made in close consultation with Germany and the Invictus Games Foundation and is a response to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The games were originally scheduled to take place in The Hague this year, but have now also been postponed by one year to 2021. „In order to give the competitors and their families and friends sufficient time for training and preparation between two events, the two-year cycle will be maintained,“ it was announced on Tuesday.

In September 2019, the Federal Ministry of Defence, representing Germany, successfully applied to host the Invictus Games together with Düsseldorf. One of the main goals of this international competition is to raise awareness and increase recognition in society for soldiers (both active and veteran) who have been wounded, injured or fallen ill, either physically or mentally. When Düsseldorf was announced as the venue in London in January, Prince Harry, initiator of the Invictus Games, said: „I hope everyone in Germany is ready for an incredible week of sport!“ The first Invictus Games took place in London in 2014. German participants have been taking part since 2014, but have had little support and have had to organise and pay for many things themselves. We are delighted that the Ministry of Defence has taken the initiative here. Up to 500 athletes from 20 countries are expected to attend the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf in 2023.

The Invictus Games are not just about sporting excellence and competing with other athletes, but above all about the power of sport for recovery and rehabilitation.