Birmingham makes shortlist for 2027 Invictus Games host
Birmingham has made it onto the shortlist as one of the two potential hosts for the 2027 Invictus Games.
The Invictus Games, an athletic competition for military personnel injured in service, was initiated by the Duke of Sussex in 2014.
Recently, the government put forth a bid of £26m through the Office for Veterans’ Affairs during a presentation held at the NEC in March.
Birmingham’s selection, alongside Washington DC, was confirmed by the Invictus Games Foundation and a final decision by the board of trustees will be made by the end of July.
The UK government-backed bid focuses on using the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham and connecting it with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Selly Oak and other Defense Medical facilities nearby.
Birmingham plans to use nine main sports and esports and is thinking about adding a team triathlon to the mix.
Prince Harry is scheduled to return to the UK next week for a ceremony at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the games.
Despite financial challenges, Birmingham City Council stated that a “new delivery model,” developed in collaboration with partners, would require no additional financial contribution while still maximising local opportunities.
The specific dates for the 2027 Invictus Games have yet to be finalised and will be determined upon the winning bid.
Alongside choosing the venue for the 2027 event, the Invictus Games Foundation is collaborating with various organisations keen on hosting future editions of the Games in 2029 and 2031.
Helen Helliwell, CEO of the Invictus Games 2027 UK Bid, said, “We were privileged to make initial presentations to the Invictus Games Foundation Board earlier this month and are thrilled to move forward to the shortlist. We have a truly compelling bid to bring the Games back to the UK, showcasing the best of our Armed Forces communities and delivering on our pledge to make this the best country in the world to be a Veteran.
“As well as delivering an amazing week of the Games Festival at the NEC Birmingham (a Commonwealth Games venue in 2022), we want to use the platform of the Games to improve opportunities for adaptive sport, arts and employment, enabling communities to thrive, both in the run-up to the Games and as a legacy from them, across the UK and beyond.”
