Dominic Reid, the outgoing CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation, reflects on Prince Harry’s vision and the profound impact of the Games on wounded veterans and armed forces members. Reid, who is overseeing his final Games in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, emphasizes the Games’ mission to help participants “feel seen and heard.”
Prince Harry, inspired by his own military experience and the US Warrior Games, founded the Invictus Games in 2014. Reid highlights Harry’s unwavering dedication to the Games, stating, “It is very important to him as a soldier, it’s very important to him as a person. He has absolutely been the person giving guidance and direction.” A pivotal moment for the foundation was Prince Harry’s address to NATO’s military committee in October 2024, where he shared the personal significance of the Invictus Games in his own recovery journey.
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Reid emphasizes the strong connection between Harry and the Foundation, noting the positive response from those who witness it. “We all get something from it for our own reasons,” he adds. “But he has created extraordinary opportunities to an extraordinary number of people. They feel seen and heard and cared about.”
The 2025 Invictus Games in Canada will feature athletes from 23 nations, including first-time participants Lithuania and Brazil, and the returning Nigerian team. Nigeria, which Harry and Meghan Markle visited in 2024, is developing the first global Invictus Centre in Abuja. Reid acknowledges the Nigerian team’s dedication, highlighting their training camps in Colorado to prepare for the winter conditions.
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The Canadian Games hold special significance for Reid as they fulfill his decade-long aspiration for a winter edition. He underscores the unique challenges and rewards of winter sports in the context of recovery and rehabilitation. Reflecting on his tenure, Reid describes his most enduring memories as “emotional,” centered on witnessing the transformative power of the Games.
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The Invictus Games have significantly impacted perceptions of disability globally, changing notions of service and fostering a sense of community. Research conducted in Dusseldorf revealed the life-saving impact of the Games, with 10% of participants stating they wouldn’t be alive without Invictus.
Following the Canadian Games, the Invictus Games will return to Birmingham, UK, in 2027, a location chosen for its symbolic connection to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where wounded soldiers were repatriated.
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Reid confirms a strong future for the Games, with expressions of interest for the 2029 Games and plans extending to 2031. He will hand over leadership to his successor, Rob Owen, at the end of February 2025, confident in the Games’ continued success.
