Prince Harry is contemplating bringing the prestigious Invictus Games back to his new home state of California in 2029, according to recent reports. San Diego has been identified as one of the potential locations to host the 2029 edition of the renowned adaptive sports competition for wounded, sick, and injured veterans, competing with cities in Denmark and South Korea for the honour.
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The Games, founded by Prince Harry, aim to provide a platform for servicemen and women to participate in various sporting events as part of their recovery journey. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who now reside in Montecito, California with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have a personal connection to the region, making the prospect of hosting the event in San Diego even more significant.
The inaugural Invictus Games took place in London in 2014, and the forthcoming edition in 2027 is scheduled for Birmingham, England, the birthplace of Prince Harry. The event holds special meaning for the Duke of Sussex, who drew inspiration from witnessing the US Warrior Games in Colorado, leading to the establishment of Invictus Games to support servicemen and women.
After a stringent evaluation process, the shortlist for potential hosts for the 2029 Invictus Games has been narrowed down to San Diego, Aalborg in Denmark, and Daejeon in South Korea, as officially announced by the Invictus Games committee. The selection criteria focused on aspects like vision and legacy, operational and sporting capabilities, accessibility, financial stability, and the potential long-term impact of hosting the Games.
“The quality, ambition and heart shown across all the bids for the Invictus Games 2029 has been truly inspiring. An unprecedented number of applications show a strong foundation for the future of the Invictus Games,” remarked Rob Owen, the chief executive of the Invictus Games committee, highlighting the exceptional efforts put forth by all three shortlisted cities.
Despite the stiff competition, only one city will have the privilege of hosting the 2029 Invictus Games, with the final decision expected to be revealed in the summer of 2026. While cities like Italy, Nigeria, and Ukraine did not make it to the final shortlist, the Invictus Games committee plans to maintain collaborative efforts with them to further the Invictus Movement’s impact globally.
San Diego’s proposal particularly stood out for its strong connection to the global military community and its strategic location as a gateway city linking North America, Latin America, and the Pacific Rim. Emphasising inclusivity and a lasting legacy, San Diego’s bid showcased a comprehensive venue plan and a sustainable commercial vision aligned with the ethos of the Invictus Movement.
As the anticipation builds for the announcement of the official host city for the 2029 Invictus Games, supporters and participants eagerly await the opportunity to witness another remarkable edition of the event that symbolises resilience, camaraderie, and the indomitable spirit of the human will to overcome challenges.