The 2025 Invictus Games, a celebration of resilience and athleticism for injured military personnel, officially kicked off in Vancouver with a dazzling opening ceremony featuring performances by renowned artists such as Katy Perry, Coldplay's Chris Martin, Noah Kahan, Nelly Furtado, and Roxane Bruneau. This year's event, the seventh in the series, marks a special occasion as it incorporates both winter and traditional adaptive sports, with athletes from 23 nations competing in Whistler and Vancouver.
The 2025 Invictus Games , a celebration of resilience and athleticism for injured military and service personnel, kicked off in Vancouver with a dazzling opening ceremony that drew in a star-studded lineup of performers. Artists like Katy Perry, Roxane Bruneau, Noah Kahan, Nelly Furtado, and Coldplay's Chris Martin took to the stage at B.C. Place, captivating an audience of around 40,000.
Event producer Patrick Roberge hailed it as the most impressive collection of celebrity performers the Games have ever seen, emphasizing the unity and shared experience the event fosters. Roberge highlighted the significance of this year's hybrid Games, incorporating both winter and traditional adaptive sports, with venues like Whistler and Vancouver hosting events that echo the 2010 Olympic Games. The Games, founded in 2014 by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, aim to showcase the incredible achievements of wounded, injured, or sick service personnel and veterans. This year, up to 550 athletes from 23 nations are competing in 11 adaptive sports, ranging from skeleton and skiing to wheelchair curling, rowing, volleyball, swimming, rugby, and basketball. The theme of 'paddle together' resonates throughout the ceremonies, symbolizing the shared healing journey of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, with four First Nations co-hosting the event. Roberge expressed his excitement about the energy surrounding the Games, noting the overwhelming positive response from artists and the local community. Chris Martin, who composed the Invictus Games anthem for the inaugural event in 2014, is set to perform it live for the first time during the opening ceremony, adding a poignant touch to the celebrations. Attendees like Gabrille Hack and Gina Behnke shared their enthusiasm, describing the atmosphere as 'unique' and 'bumping,' with the added allure of witnessing their favorite artists live. Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, are expected to attend the Games throughout their duration. Prince Harry himself addressed the crowd during the opening ceremony, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the strength and determination of the athletes. Next week will see the Games conclude with a closing ceremony at Vancouver's Rogers Arena, featuring artists such as Jelly Roll and Barenaked Ladies.
Invictus Games Vancouver Adaptive Sports Prince Harry Chris Martin Opening Ceremony Athletes Military Resilience Winter Sports
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