Invictus Games School Program Launch with Prince Harry in Vancouver
byThis morning in Vancouver, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, introduced the Invictus Games School Program, with the help of local children and youth. As part of the lead-up to the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler (February 8-16, 2025), this initiative—the first of its kind for the Games—aims to help teachers and students around the world engage with the spirit of the event by sparking meaningful dialogue around the themes of inclusivity and resilience.
Classroom Resources | About the Games
Invictus Games Classroom Resources
The school program’s classroom resources include things teachers can do in school, and also community connection opportunities for the students. Resources are free to download, for students and teachers all over the world, and are available in French and English. These 1-5 day lesson plans aim to inspire students and spark meaningful dialogue around the themes of inclusivity and resilience.
At today’s event, the Duke sat with children fro Shaughnessy Elementary School as they did a colouring activity, and he also played sitting volleyball with the students in a rousing scrimmage. Youth from Ecole Windsor Secondary studied the Invictus poem, by William Ernest Henley. There was also a station with serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces who facilitated discussions on the topics of PTSD, mental health and the journey of recovery.
Team Canada 2025 members Robert Pullen, Wenshuang (Wen) Nie, Jean-Sebastien Bergeron, Francesca Colussi, and Team Canada alumni Mike Bourgeois and Alaina Mundy were also there to talk to students.
The lessons in the program can be taught as a mini-unit or used as stand-alone activities sprinkled over a period of time. The downloadable resources are divided into Elementary School, Intermediate/Middle School, and High School. Teachers and facilitators will be able to adapt activities for their grade level and use as independent/partner work for upper grades.
About the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler
The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, celebrates the unconquered human spirit of military service members and Veterans who are wounded, injured, or sick. From February 8-16, 2025, over 500 of these heroes will travel from up to 25 different nations to Vancouver and Whistler for the first-ever Winter hybrid Games. These service members will compete in 11 different sports to support their journey of recovery with their family and friends cheering them on from the sidelines.
Prince Harry, in partnership with the Ministry of Defence, founded the Invictus Games in 2014. This will be Canada’s second time hosting the event and the first time competitors will participate in both winter and core adaptive sports. These Games will feature new winter adaptive sports including: Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding, Biathlon, Nordic Skiing, Skeleton, and Wheelchair Curling, in addition to the core adaptive sports of Indoor Rowing, Sitting Volleyball, Swimming, Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Rugby.
The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will be held on the traditional territories of the Lil̓wat7úl (Líl̓wat), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. The organizing committee is committed to collaborating with the Four Host First Nations, addressing Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, and respecting Indigenous protocols in all aspects of the Games.
Follow the Games on Instagram for the latest information and be sure to get your tickets to the opening and closing ceremonies, and events in Vancouver and Whistler.
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