Team Canada departed Ottawa today for the 2020 Invictus Games in The Hague, Netherlands, which will take place 16-22 April 2022.

“The Invictus Games serve as a powerful reminder of the courage and determination of those who have been injured, either physically or mentally, while in service to their country. Members of Team Canada have faced challenges, and are challenging themselves once again, this time through sport. To all of the team, we could not be prouder of you – and best of luck in The Hague!"

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence

“The Invictus Games afford a special opportunity to our ill and injured serving members and Veterans to demonstrate their incredible tenacity and the results of their efforts throughout their recovery journey. They will undoubtedly inspire thousands more to take their first courageous steps forward on their own road to recovery – Go Canada!”

General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff 

“For the athletes getting ready to take part in the Invictus Games in The Hague, the chance to step forward and represent their country again plays an important role -- not just in their recovery, but in their transition back to civilian life. And we’ve all seen it: the pride that these athletes have to wear the uniform – a different uniform – once more. That’s what these Games are all about. I wish all our competitors the best of luck in The Hague.”

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

“The Invictus Games personify the resilience of ill and injured service members and Veterans who serve their country through sport. They inspire millions globally and I admire their fighting spirit. It was truly an honour to meet the members of Team Canada at the departure event in Ottawa today and hear their stories of perseverance. We are proud of our competitors and wish them all the best of luck at the Invictus Games!”

Bryan May, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence

• Team Canada’s 28-person contingent includes 12 serving members and 16 Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), who acquired an illness or a physical or mental health injury while serving Canada.

• Participants from Team Canada will take part in all nine sports featured at the Invictus Games The Hague 2020: archery, track and field, cycling, indoor rowing, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby. In addition, Team Canada will participate in the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge.

•  The more than 500 competitors at this year’s Invictus Games The Hague 2020 will represent 17 countries: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Georgia, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom, and the United States.

• The Invictus Games, founded by The Duke of Sussex, are an international sporting competition for ill and injured active duty members or Veterans. The mission of the Games is to honour the service members who have come face-to-face with the reality of sacrificing for their country, using the power of rehabilitative sports to help them on their journey of recovery.

•  The participation of Team Canada in the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 has been made possible through the CAF’s Soldier On program, in partnership with The True Patriot Love Foundation. 

•  Using the transformative power of sport, Soldier On has supported more than 10,000 members since its inception in 2007, and remains committed to supporting Veterans and serving CAF members with a permanent mental health or physical injury as they adapt to their new normal, overcome their challenges, and Soldier On in life.

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• Soldier On
• Invictus Games The Hague 2020
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Capt Stéphany Lura
Team Canada Public Affairs Officer
Cell: 343-549-1815
Email: Stephany.Lura@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca