Excitement builds as Birmingham hailed as perfect location for next Invictus Games
The CEO of Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 has highlighted the city's strong connection to wounded military personnel, making it an ideal host for the prestigious event.
Helen Helliwell, who worked at the Ministry of Defence for more than 20 years, emphasised the significance of Birmingham's role in supporting injured service members as the UK formally takes over from Canada as host nation.
"The connection is real, particularly for the wounded and sick military community," she said.
The 2025 Invictus Games, which concluded in Vancouver and Whistler on Sunday, were described as the best Games to date by outgoing Invictus Games Foundation CEO Dominic Reid.
His praise for Canada's successful hosting sets a high benchmark for Birmingham, but Ms Helliwell remains confident in the UK's ability to deliver an outstanding event.
"We are super excited to bring the games back to the UK," she said.
"The link is just so strong for the Armed Forces. We have the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which treats our wounded, injured and sick personnel, the Royal College of Defence Medicine, which trains our clinicians, and the world-famous Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre nearby.
"The NEC is a fantastic location, and will host the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as all the sports and accommodation on one site."
Ms Helliwell also revealed that Birmingham's opening and closing ceremonies would feature a strong military presence, noting that the UK is renowned for its expertise in military pageantry.
The 2027 Games will also introduce new events, including Pickleball and Laser Run, and will be the first Games to feature esports.
At the 2025 closing ceremony on Sunday, Veterans Minister Al Carns received the Invictus flag, which will remain in the UK's possession until the conclusion of the Birmingham games in 2027.
The UK plans to showcase the flag around the world, including during the upcoming Carrier Strike Group mission to the Far East – a significant Royal Navy deployment.
Meanwhile, on the final day of the 2025 games, Mr Reid announced that the Invictus Games could be heading to Asia in 2029, following a formal expression of interest from the Republic of Korea.
"The Games need to go to Asia," Mr Reid said, praising Korea's involvement in previous events.
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