Birmingham has been named as the host city for the Invictus Games
2027.
The Invictus Games Foundation (IGF) board of trustees had shortlisted Birmingham and Washington DC as the two final cities in the running for hosting the
eighth Invictus Games, after initial interest from six cities. Following
presentations from both bidding teams earlier this year, the Birmingham bid was
awarded the Games, highlighting the venue choice of the National Exhibition
Centre, the innovative new sports and the demonstration by the bidding team of
their commitment to the welfare and recovery of the international cohort of
wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.
The Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 will be held at the NEC in July
2027, two years on from the upcoming Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025,
taking place next year in February.
Ian Taylor, managing director, NEC Group, said: “We’re so proud that the UK bid to host
Invictus Games 2027 has been successful and we’re thrilled that the NEC and
Birmingham will play host to such an inspirational event. It’s fantastic that this region will once again be hosting a
major international large-scale sporting event, we cannot wait to welcome the
competitors and visitors to the NEC.”
Founded by Prince Harry. the Invictus Games is a sporting event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans, and was first held in 2014.
Lord Allen, chair of the Invictus Games Foundation, said: “Congratulations to Birmingham! The
Trustees were very taken by the depth of passion in the bidding team, the
experience they brought to the planning and preparations and to the concept of
the NEC as a one-site Games. Our thanks go to the team behind the Washington DC
bid who were able to demonstrate the city could be a fantastic location for the
future. As the Foundation looks to the next 10 years, we’re excited about the
Games pipeline we are building, and for the next ten years of Invictus.”
Helen Helliwell, CEO of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, said: “I am honoured our bid has been selected,
bringing the Invictus Games back to the UK. At NEC Birmingham, we’ll host the
most cohesive, sustainable event in Invictus Games history with all sports,
ceremonies, and accommodation on one fantastic site. Beyond the Games, our
legacy programs will benefit communities nationwide, from adaptive sports to
arts and employment.”
