Heroes TEAM UK depart the UK ahead of Invictus Vancouver Whistler Games Canada 2025

TEAM UK, made up of 58 veterans and serving military personnel, departed Birmingham Airport (Thursday 6 February) with their family and friends, on aircraft G-VYGK gifted and operated by AirTanker.

The team’s departure follows a programme of training at sports camps around the UK, which not only helps the team to prepare for the games, but also develops their mental and physical resilience. For competitors, engaging in sports recovery through the Invictus Games has a profound positive impact on their recovery process, both in the short and long term, with many of the team achieving goals they thought unattainable at the start of their Invictus journey.

Team UK is set to shine at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, where 58 heroic members—wounded, injured, and sick veterans and serving personnel from the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force—will showcase their resilience, courage, and determination. This year’s Games are a transformative milestone, marking the first time winter sports such as alpine skiing and snowboarding will be part of the competition, alongside traditional events like indoor rowing and wheelchair basketball.

Each competitor’s journey reflects the heart of the Invictus Games—harnessing the power of sport to drive recovery, rehabilitation, and empowerment. Training at venues like the Royal British Legion’s Battle Back Centre has helped prepare these athletes, with adaptive sports playing a crucial role in their recovery process. Team UK’s athletes are not just preparing to compete—they are pushing boundaries and rewriting what’s possible for themselves and their fellow servicemen and women.

Founded by Prince Harry, the Invictus Games have become a global platform for courage and recovery, offering wounded service members the chance to compete, reclaim their strength, and inspire others. As Team UK takes on the 2025 Games, they embody the spirit of resilience, showcasing the extraordinary impact of sport in healing both the body and the mind. Their participation is a testament to the transformative power of community, determination, and the human spirit.

Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey MP, said:

“I wish Team UK the very best of luck competing at the Invictus Games in Canada over the next two weeks. The Games powerfully show us the bravery of our forces and the way sport can support the recovery of sick and injured military personnel.

“We’re proud of these fierce British competitors and the Government will always stand by those who serve our country, both during and and after service. I know the Armed Forces community will be cheering them on from around the world.”

Mark Alexander, AirTanker CEO, said:

“We are unbelievably proud to provide the airbridge between the UK and Canada for Team UK competing in the Invictus Games 2025.

“The courage of all the competitors in overcoming their challenges is outstanding. Flying Team UK and their families to take part in the Invictus Games again this year is our contribution towards their inspiring journeys, and we’re honoured to provide this. We wish all competitors the very best in the Games and in their continuing recovery and rehabilitation.”