Source: United Kingdom – Royal Air Force
UK Armed Forces personnel and veterans are joining counterparts from 20 nations to compete in adaptive sports at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.
Team UK comprises 62 competitors – all wounded, injured and sick serving personnel and veterans, who have experienced a range of challenging physical and mental injuries sustained while serving in the UK Armed Forces either at home or abroad.
Some of Team UK, who serve or served in the RAF, have shared their inspiring recovery journeys in this short documentary, ‘I AM INVICTUS: Finding me again’.
This video contains emotional discussions around mental and physical health that some viewers may find upsetting. If you are affected by any of the issues raised, please see the link below for support.
What the competitors want to share with those listening, is how powerful the Invictus Games can be in your recovery.
“A big thing for me is I really want to keep promoting the programme. Because for me it’s been so powerful. If that can just reach one person that felt the way I did, and help them to realise, you may think you’ve tried everything but there are other things out there. I really hope that my contribution to the Invictus Games and my part of the programme and the journey isn’t about what we achieve this time round, it’s about getting other people involved for the legacy of the games. So that they get involved next time round and it helps them.”
Corporal Matthew ‘Twitch’ Wickens
The Invictus Games uses the power of sport to inspire recovery, offering a recovery pathway that helps wounded, injured or sick servicemen and women reclaim their purpose, identity and future, beyond their injury. The Ministry of Defence and the Royal British Legion are supporting Team UK to compete at the seventh Invictus Games, which features winter sports for the first time. Selection for the Games is based on the recovery benefit to each individual, rather than solely on expected performance.
Access to adaptive sports and the opportunity to participate in the Invictus Games is just one way the Royal British Legion & MOD supports the wounded, injured and sick Armed Forces community. There are also adventurous training and theatre and art programmes available for personnel, veterans and families which are delivered by partners via the RAF Recovery and Support Team.
In recent months, Team UK have been preparing for the Games at the Royal British Legion’s Battle Back Centre in Lilleshall, which promotes the use of adaptive sport and adventure activities to help improve confidence and positively impact mental health and wellbeing. These activities are designed to help each individual achieve their best possible recovery and either return to Service duty or make a smooth transition to civilian life.
The Invictus Games will be broadcast in the UK between 8-16 February on ITV in the UK. Nine daily highlight shows will be available on ITVX across the duration of the Games, which will include the Opening Ceremony.
If you or a friend needs help or support, visit the Health and Wellbeing page for links to resources and partners who can help.