The Invictus Games will be coming to Birmingham after successfully winning the bid to host the games in 2027.
The result was announced at an unveiling event with Invictus Games Foundation CEO Dominic Reid OBE, Defence Veterans Minister and MP for Selly Oak, Al Carns, and the Invictus Games bid 2027 CEO, Helen Helliwell at the site of the games, the National
It was followed by a demonstration of some of the new sports from the Games, Pickleball and Laser Run, with former competitors from the Invictus Games.
Birmingham was competing against bids from six cities around the world, our city won the bid through its strong commitment to the welfare and recovery of serving personnel and veterans.
Lord Allen, Chair of the Invictus Games Foundation, said: “Congratulations to Birmingham! The Trustees were very taken by the depth of passion in the bidding team, the experience they brought to the planning and preparations and to the concept of the NEC as a one-site Games.”
The Duke of Sussex, Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, said: “Congratulations to Birmingham, on winning the bid to host the Invictus Games 2027. 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.”
Minister for Veterans and People Al Carns, said: “The Invictus Games harness the power of sport to supercharge the recovery and rehabilitation of military personnel and veterans. Our exceptional Armed Forces make countless acts of courage and selflessness in their duties and we will always support wounded, injured and sick personnel and veterans. The Invictus Games are just one way we offer lasting support to personnel and veterans facing illness or injury.”
Stephen ‘Hoops’ Hooper, Team UK Captain for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, said: “It’s awesome that the Invictus Games is coming to Birmingham! This will mean the world to Team UK, not only so their friends and family can watch them compete, but so the British public can cheer them on. 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!”
Nearby connections to the site of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 include the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which receives and treats wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, the Royal College of Defence Medicine, which trains UK Clinicians, and the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Stanford Hall, a world class military rehabilitation asset.
Helen Helliwell, CEO of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, said: “I am honoured our bid has been selected, bringing the Invictus Games back to the UK. At NEC Birmingham, we’ll host the most cohesive, sustainable event in Invictus Games history with all sports, ceremonies, and accommodation on one fantastic site. Beyond the Games, our legacy programs will benefit communities nationwide, from adaptive sports to arts and employment.
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Unbelievable: whilst most Birmingham residents would support veterans and respect their service to the nation, how is this event relevant? What they really need is specialist treatment for PTSD and addictions and, of course, their own accommodation – the Games won’t provide any of these. And how is it that after the disaster of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, bankrupt Birmingham can still ‘bid’ for events (to which they are addicted). Why have the Commissioners not prevented this?
Wow, the Invictus Games are coming to Brum in 2027! That’s amazing news! Can’t wait to see our city host such an inspiring event. Big congrats to everyone who made this happen!