Only one year to go until the opening of the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf: from 9 to 16 September 2023, the Games launched by patron Prince Harry will be held in Germany for the first time.
Only one year to go until the opening of the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf: from 9 to 16 September 2023, the Games launched by patron Prince Harry will be held in Germany for the first time.
Soldiers and civilian employees,
reservists!
In just over a year’s time, the time will finally have come: we, the members of the Bundeswehr, together with the citizens of the city of Düsseldorf, will be able to host a unique sports festival: The Invictus Games 2023.
From 9 to 16 September 2023, we will welcome more than 500 participants with more than 1,000 members from over 20 nations to Düsseldorf. We will give an unforgettable welcome to soldiers, reservists, civilian employees and members of “blue light organisations” who have been injured, had an accident or fallen ill in the line of duty. In keeping with the motto of the Invictus Games 2023, we will prepare a “HOME FOR RESPECT!” – as a sign of our support and appreciation for their commitment to security, peace, freedom and democracy!
The Invictus Games is not about the fastest time or greatest distance. It is about the contribution of sport on the way back to life. Sport is a very important part of this. We will make the individual stories visible and tangible for a broad public.
As the Bundeswehr, we have a special responsibility as hosts. With a cosmopolitan and hospitable environment, the Invictus Games 2023 will be a unique event. Our guests should feel welcome and comfortable. And from Düsseldorf, we want to initiate a debate on the recognition of soldiers in our society.
At the Invictus Games 2022 in The Hague, I was able to feel the unique spirit of the Games myself. Help to make the Invictus Games 2023 just as much of an event. Our men and women who will be able to take part in Düsseldorf will bring back valuable impulses for their own personal development and an unbiased way of dealing with our disabled people – whether as active participants, volunteers or fans. I am sure that the superiors in the troops will help not to miss this unique opportunity. And also promote the event in your personal environment.
All active participants – their families, relatives and friends – have more than earned our support. Let’s make Düsseldorf a place of appreciation together – a “HOME FOR RESPECT!”
See you in Düsseldorf!
Yours
Christine Lambrecht
Federal Minister of Defence