Birmingham, July 23, 2024, The Europe Today: Birmingham has been selected to host the 2027 Invictus Games, triumphing over Washington DC in the bid to stage the prestigious event. This biennial competition brings together injured military personnel and veterans from around the world to compete in various sports.
The 2027 games will be held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and mark the first time the event returns to the UK since its inaugural tournament in London in 2014, organized by the Duke of Sussex.
“Your city’s strong ties to the armed forces community made it a formidable contender from the very start,” Prince Harry said. “We have no doubt the people of Birmingham will join in celebrating the unwavering respect and admiration we have for our veteran and service community, showing the world how their courage ignites hope and unites us all – something your city knows well.”
To mark the announcement, a flag-raising ceremony with veterans minister Al Carns will be held at the NEC on Tuesday morning.
The successful £26 million government-backed bid leveraged Birmingham’s strong connections with the armed forces, particularly through the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. During the Afghanistan conflict, severely injured military casualties evacuated from Helmand province received treatment at the QE Hospital in Selly Oak. The hospital is also home to the Royal College of Defence Medicine, and the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre is located nearby in the Midlands, near Loughborough.
‘Coming Home’
Stephen “Hoops” Hooper, Team UK captain for the 2025 games, expressed his excitement about the announcement, saying it would “mean the world to Team UK.”
“Birmingham is a special place for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, as they all come through here at some point. With support from the Royal British Legion for Team UK, Invictus has helped me embrace life again. As we prepare for Canada next year, it’s great to know the games are coming home in 2027.”
Prince Harry, who served in Afghanistan, praised each host city’s unique spirit and vision, which has brought the Invictus Games to life for competitors, their families, and spectators. The 2027 games in Birmingham promise to continue this tradition, showcasing the resilience and strength of the global veteran community.
