Whether it’s football or athletics, time and time again, Birmingham’s proven itself to be sporting mad. We turned out in droves for the Commonwealth Games 2022, and we’re ready to throw another whopper of a sporting event with the Invictus Games in 2027 – after officially beating out the other finalist, Washington DC.
Founded by Prince Harry (and the Ministry of Defence), the Invictus Games is an international multi-sport event “for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans.” Its first event was held in London in 2014 and, being held every couple of years or so, has since been held in the United States, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands and Germany.
The next Invictus Games will return to Canada in 2025, but planning is already underway for 2027 – which will see the eighth edition of the games return to the UK following a £26 million bid supported by the UK government. It will take place in July at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in three years – with ties to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Selly Oak, the Royal College of Defence Medicine and Stanford Hall’s Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre.
“Congratulations to Birmingham, UK, on winning the bid to host the Invictus Games 2027,” said Prince Harry. “Your city’s strong ties to the armed forces community made it a formidable contender from the very start. Over the years, we’ve seen each city bring a unique spirit and vision to life for competitors, their families and spectators.”
“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.”
The Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 is set to feature three new sports – pickleball, laser run and esports. Pickleball is a paddle sport (sort of like tennis) that’s quickly gaining popularity, while laser run combines event the skills of shooting a laser pistol and running. Esports competitions have featured at previous Invictus Games but not as a main event. Helen Helliwell, CEO of the Invictus Games, also promises that Birmingham will set new heights for cohesion and sustainability.