Israel has been welcomed as the latest member of the Invictus Community of Nations, and now preparing to attend the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023.
By Erin Viner
The international multi-sport event features participation of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both in active service or veterans. “Invictus,” Latin for “unconquered,” was the name chosen for the games in 2014 by founder Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, who was cited by the British press at the time as expressing his hope the competition would “demonstrate the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and demonstrate life beyond disability.”
In addition to Israel, Colombia and Nigeria have also joined the newly developed “Invictus Community of Nations,” bringing the number of participating countries to 23.
“The new community structure for the Invictus Games Foundation enables access by member nations’ wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans to the Invictus Games Foundation’s wider program of activity,” said a statement TV7 received from the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMoD) Spokesperson’s Office, which added that such activity “is available all year round, beyond the Games, and allows smaller nations or nations newer to sport recovery programs to experience the power of sport, esports, and adventurous challenge ahead of any future potential participation in an Invictus Games.”
Deputy Director General and Head of the IMoD’s Rehabilitation Department Limor Luria announced that Israel is “very grateful for the warm welcome to the Invictus Community of Nations. It is a pleasure to take part in the important work of the Invictus Games Foundation, share our own experience in the sports recovery field, and learn from the community. We were also very happy to be invited to participate in the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023. Being a part of the Invictus Community will provide more opportunities for recovery among veterans who were wounded or became ill while serving.”
Luria added that, “In Israel, we have learned a great deal about the importance of physical activity as a positive catalyst for recovery and rehabilitation. We look forward to sharing our experience, and learning from the other nations, in this uplifting and supportive community.”