The British government has put forward a bid to host the Invictus Games in Birmingham in 2027, as part of a bid totalling £26m made through the Office for Veterans’ Affairs. The decision of the successful host city will be made by the Invictus Games Foundation. Founded by Prince Harry in 2014, the Invictus Games have seen thousands of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women compete throughout the years.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer, spoke of the government’s commitment and the significance of the games, saying “The announcement of £26m puts the UK another step closer to being the global leader in veterans’ recovery, and demonstrates this government’s commitment to our ex-servicemen and women who sacrificed so much for us all in the line of duty.” Washington is also reportedly making a bid to host the games.
RAF veteran Michelle Turner, a competitor in two previous Invictus Games, spoke of its value and joy, “The Invictus Games is like nothing on Earth – I can’t even describe it. Don’t get me wrong, there is fierce competition, but equally we cheer on the person that’s come in last because it’s about the journey of how they’ve got to that start line and just cheering them on to the finish line.” Turner has a heart condition which causes her to collapse unannounced, as well as exhaustion and extreme dizziness, but has found the support and encouragement of the Invictus Games a transformative experience.
Jonny Ball, a former Invictus Games competitor and the founder of Campaign Force UK, featured in the government’s promotional video, urging for the games to come to the UK and for the “Invictus magic” to be brought back home. A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council expressed that the city, with its “outstanding work of staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the strong links with the armed forces and their families”, would be an excellent fit to host the games
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