Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex congratulated Team UK who took to the ski slopes in Milton Keynes today as the Royal British Legion and Ministry of Defence proudly revealed the 64 members who will represent the nation at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 in Canada – the first to feature winter sports.
The team, who are all wounded, injured and sick serving personnel and veterans, came together to celebrate their selection for the first ever winter Games through a skiing and snowboarding session which featured adaptive sit ski equipment.
-mina-endeley-and-kayleigh-pierce-at-the-snozone-in-milton-keynes.jpg?sfvrsn=7afc4693_0 "L-R - James Cairnes, Gemma Barnes (Vice Captain), Mina Endeley and Kayleigh Pierce at the Snozone in Milton Keynes")
The Royal British Legion and MOD launch Team UK for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, at the Snozone in Milton Keynes
With challenging physical and mental injuries sustained while serving the UK either at home or abroad, the multi-generational team includes participants from all services and walks of life. The participants have a range of injuries including visual impairment, amputation, traumatic brain injuries, PTSD and mental health issues, and have been selected based on the benefit that training for, and competing at the Games, will contribute towards their recovery.
Established in 2014 by Prince Harry, the Invictus Games is an international adaptive multi-sport event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans to participate in as part of their recovery journey.
“Congratulations to those selected for Team UK for our first-ever Winter Invictus Games in Vancouver Whistler next February. Team UK will join over 500 competitors from across 20 nations in this groundbreaking event that expands the range and profile of winter adaptive sports. These games present an incredible opportunity for our courageous service personnel and veterans to demonstrate their skills in new challenges like Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding and Skeleton, as well as providing a truly memorable experience for their families. We’re excited to see their passion, determination, and resilience on full display as they take on this new chapter.”
Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex
“To be selected for Team UK again was overwhelming in itself, but to be Captain as well, is a privilege. I gained a lot from the whole Team UK experience last time around, I've gone from standing in the corner of a room and not talking to anybody, to finding my voice again. And that’s what I want to do for others this time, make sure every member of Team UK comes together and takes those steps forward in their recovery.”
Steve Hooper, Team UK Captain
The RBL has been involved in Team UK since 2016, when it started supporting the friends and families of participants on their journey to attend the Games. This is the second year the charity is taking responsibility for delivering the whole team, participants and their families and friends, to the Games alongside its partners, the MOD.
Louise Assioun, RBL’s Team UK Manager said: “For the selected individuals, being part of a team again, representing their country and being around others who are all on their individual recovery pathway is what makes Team UK’s journey to the Invictus Games so unique. The Royal British Legion is proud to support them every step of the way.”
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “Congratulations to the competitors representing the UK at the 2025 Invictus Games. Their strength, resilience and dedication are an inspiration to us all. I am delighted to see that 27 competitors are still serving members of the Armed Forces. The whole of the UK will be cheering them on next February.”
Juliet Bale, 54, served as a nurse in the RAF and Army before being medically discharged after sustaining a traumatic brain injury on operation in Kenya. Juliet said: "As a nurse, I have spent my life caring for others, it's been difficult to adapt to a life of being cared for due to my injury. I went from being a nurse with a Master's degree, to somebody who struggled to make a cup of tea, but being part of Team UK has already made me realise that there's so much out there that I can do. I've been introduced to new sports, new friends, and I have a feeling of belonging again."
Team UK 2024 Statistics
- 60 selected members of Team UK
- 4 reserves
- 41 male / 19 female
- 27 serving / 37 veteran
- Previously competed – 8
The RBL is proud to be working with Helly Hansen as the official clothing supplier to Team UK. A leading provider of performance ski apparel, this collaboration will provide Team UK participants with the protection and comfort they need to excel in the first ever winter Invictus Games.
Background
Whilst the RBL is known for supporting veterans of the Second World War, the charity is also supporting younger veterans from more recent conflicts through their recovery journey. Access to adaptive sports and the opportunity to participate in the Invictus Games is just one way the RBL supports the wounded, injured and sick community. Adventurous training and theatre and art programmes are also offered to assist individuals on their recovery journey.
The RBL’s Battle Back Centre uses adaptive sport and adventure activities to help improve confidence and positively impact mental health and wellbeing, helping people achieve their best possible recovery and either return to Service duty or make a smooth transition to civilian life.
The Invictus Games is just one way the Ministry of Defence (MOD) supports wounded, injured and sick military personnel. The Defence Recovery Capability is an MOD programme which helps Personnel on Recovery Duty have free and full access to specialised recovery courses, activities and resources to help them safely return to duty or transition into civilian life. This care is delivered across the defence community by the combined efforts of the Services and the Service charities.
Invictus Games
The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will take place from 8-16 February.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the Invictus Games is an international adaptive multi-sport event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans.
The Invictus Games utilise the power of sport to inspire recovery and support rehabilitation, showcase the fortitude and resilience of military personnel and their families, improve respect and understanding for those with disabilities, and those who serve or have served their country.
Established in 2014 by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex the Invictus Games has been held in London (2014), Orlando (2016), Toronto (2017), Sydney (2018), The Hague (2022), and Düsseldorf (2023).
Through a process led by the Invictus Games Foundation, Birmingham and Washington have been shortlisted to host the Invictus Games in 2027. A decision is expected before the end of July.