Invictus organisers officially announce dates for the 2027 Games in Birmingham
Organisers have officially confirmed the dates for the next Invictus Games.
The event will be held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham with the opening ceremony taking place on Saturday 10 July and the closing party is due to be held on Saturday 17 July.
The eighth Invictus Games will feature three new sporting events: E-sports, pickleball and laser run.
The hosts say the vast NEC complex provides adequate space for sports facilities, ceremonies and accommodation for competitors.
The swimming events are due to take place at Sandwell Aquatics Centre, which has a 50-metre Olympic-size pool and previously hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
Birmingham has a long-standing connection to the Armed Forces and the veteran community.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine and Fisher House, which supports Armed Forces patients and their families, have all made an invaluable contribution to supporting injured service personnel and veterans in recent years.
"These Games will shine a light on Birmingham's incredible community spirit and the West Midlands' strong commitment to supporting the recovery and rehabilitation of our Armed Forces community," said Helen Helliwell, the CEO of Birmingham 2027.
Organisers say they are thrilled the event is returning to the UK and believe the location means a great deal to injured veterans.
"As the Invictus Games Foundation recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary, we've been looking ahead as to what the next 10 years of recovery will look like for the community and we know that Birmingham 2027 will be a beacon of hope for so many in recovery," said Rob Owen, CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation.
The hope is that the Games will also benefit the local economy and community.
"The Invictus Games will bring significant social and economic boost into Birmingham – attracting thousands of visitors, creating jobs and showcasing the city's hospitality, culture and innovation on the world stage," Mr Owen added.
"Local communities will be engaged through extensive outreach and participation initiatives in the run-up to and throughout the Games."
At the closing ceremony at the last Invictus Games in Vancouver, Veterans Minister Al Carns received the Invictus flag, which will remain in the UK's possession until the end of the Birmingham Games.
Mr Carns, who is also the MP for Birmingham Selly Oak, paid tribute to the participants.
"With the dates set, Birmingham stands ready to deliver an Invictus Games worthy of those injured while bravely serving their country, whose unbreakable spirit and determination to overcome mental and physical challenges inspires us all," he said.
"In July 2027, I invite the world to Birmingham to witness these remarkable people firsthand and understand what it truly means to serve, sacrifice and prevail."
UK organisers plan to showcase the Invictus flag around the world, including during the upcoming Carrier Strike Group 25 mission to the Far East.
The opening and closing ceremonies at Birmingham 2027 are also expected to feature a strong military presence.
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