Invictus Games 2025: Rick Hansen honours veterans' legacy of service to their country and to sport
The 2025 Invictus Games have begun! Being hosted in Vancouver and Whistler from February 8 to February 16, 2025, this event " supports the recovery and rehabilitation of international wounded injured and sick service personnel and veterans through sport.”
The word Invictus means unconquered, fostering the spirit that disabilities don't define us – an important message that inspires people across the world that we shouldn't limit ourselves.
For Rick Hansen, the Invictus Games hold a special place.
"As a Paralympian, my journey with sport wouldn't have been possible without veterans,” he said.
The Paralympic movement and veterans are uniquely intertwined. After World War II, parasport was more widely introduced with the purpose of supporting veterans and civilians who were wounded during the war with their rehabilitation. This evolved to recreational sport and, ultimately, the Paralympic Games that we know today.
“I wouldn’t be able to do the things I have, both athletically and my work advocating for access if it wasn't for the advocacy of past generations of veterans,” Rick said. “The men and women who fought for justice, human rights and be included and contribute in their communities, countries, and the world.”
Ambassador to the Invictus Games
Rick was asked to be an ambassador to the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto. The ask came at the tail end of his three-year term as an Honorary Colonel in the Joint Personnel Support Unit (JPSU).
The JPSU provides Canadian Forces and Veterans Affairs Canada with a place for injured or ill personnel, veterans with disabilities, and their families to go to seek resources.
Rick wanted to stay involved with supporting our veterans, so this was an incredible opportunity. He has been an Ambassador for the Invictus Games ever since.
“It was a great way to pay tribute to support the men and women who fight for our country,” Rick explained.
As an Ambassador, Rick will be involved in a variety of ways throughout the games. This Friday, February 7, he will be part of a panel discussion with Michelle Stillwell, Canadian Paralympian and Politician. This will take place at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Rick will be presenting medals at the men’s wheelchair rugby gold medal match and he will also make an appearance at the closing ceremonies.
The Rick Hansen Foundation itself is the Official Accessibility Advisor and Supplier to the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.
The Power of Sport
After Rick’s Injury, sport was one of the ways that Rick began to feel like himself again.
“I had to come to terms with my new body and understand that I was still an athlete, and recreate, and could compete and excel, it was a mindset shift,” Rick explained. “I also had to re-examine some of the stereotypes and biases that I had inherited that were preventing me from fully engaging. For instance, not realizing that I still could be an athlete even though I couldn’t use my legs.”
Sport holds an incredible power to unite individuals and create a sense of comraderie, something that has a healing ability.
“In part, it was through sport and bringing people together and those shared experiences that makes you feel like you're less alone.”
A Message to the Athletes
As the athletes compete this February, Rick wants them to take in the moment.
“Having the chance to come together in any major games competition is a privilege. It’s a once in a lifetime moment, and you have the chance to be able to give it your absolute best,” Rick said. “Feel the comraderie and the belonging within the community. Hopefully you feel the love and respect and gratitude from those around you for all that you’ve done and are about to do. We are all with you in your continuing journey whether it’s the success or struggles.”
