A spectacular start to the Invictus Games

Team Australia joined roughly 5,000 attendees at last night’s spectacular opening ceremony for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, which for the first time will incorporate winter sports including skiing, snowboarding, wheelchair curling and biathlon.

The combined Australian team of 33 current and former serving military personnel, enjoyed the full show of live music – featuring Chris Martin and Katy Perry, the Parade of Nations, stunning performances and moving stories to mark the start of the games.

The Invictus Games are an international, adaptive multi-sports competition for current and former serving military personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill during their military service.

Competitors will compete in both individual and team sports including alpine skiing, snowboarding, indoor rowing, biathlon, Nordic skiing, sitting volleyball, skeleton, swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair curling and wheelchair rugby.

Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will bring together up to 550 serving and former serving military personnel from up to 25 nations and runs from 8 to 16 February 2025.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Personnel, the Hon Matt Keogh MP:

“I acknowledge the important role our competitors’ family and friends have played in supporting them. The Invictus Games are as much about our competitors’ commitment and service as it is their athleticism, and I thank them for their support.

“Our competitors have exceeded every expectation to make it to the starting line.”

MEDIA NOTE:
More information, including competitor biographies, is online at: https://www.defence.gov.au/invictusgames

Imagery of the ceremony is available at: https://images.defence.gov.au/S20250198

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608