Ukraine bids to host Invictus Games amid ongoing conflict

Ukraine is bidding to host the Invictus Games in 2029 despite ongoing geopolitical challenges stemming from its conflict with Russia, which escalated in February 2022. The Invictus Games Foundation revealed that a record six nations expressed interest in hosting the Games, and Kyiv's proposal highlights its experience in managing major international events. Ukraine's Minister for Veterans Affairs, Natalyia Kalmykova, emphasized the importance of sport in veterans' healthcare, linking it to recovery strategies in the country. The international community recognizes the significance of the Invictus Games as a symbol of unity and resilience for wounded service members and veterans. Kyiv's officials underscored their commitment to developing innovative recovery services for its veteran population while presenting a compelling case for hosting the Games. The capital has faced severe attacks from Russia, exemplified by recent missile strikes that resulted in casualties, underscoring the pressing need for community healing through sports. Other bids for the 2029 Games include Nigeria, seeking to host the first Invictus Games in Africa, South Korea aspiring to bring the event to Asia, Denmark's Aalborg, Italy's Veneto region proposing a hybrid format, and the U.S. city of San Diego, aiming to create a global model for veteran wellness. The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry in 2014, have taken place biennially, with the upcoming Games set for Birmingham in 2027. In light of this competitive environment, the Invictus Games Foundation will assess the various proposals before moving to the Request for Proposal phase. The announcement of interested cities took place at the Olympic Museum in Switzerland, highlighting a record number of submissions and reaffirming the foundation's dedication to promoting the welfare of wounded, injured, and sick service personnel through sport.