On Tuesday (19 April 2022), the Deputy Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Lieutenant General Lance Landrum, and military representatives from several Allied and partner nations attended the 2022 Invictus Games in The Hague, the Netherlands. Founded in 2014 by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, this annual multi-sport competition is open to servicemen and women who have suffered life-changing injuries whilst serving their country.
During the visit, Lieutenant General Landrum briefly met the Duke of Sussex and thanked him for his continuous support for the rehabilitation of disabled military personnel through sport. He also met with participating athletes and their families. “Grow through what you go through. That is what the Invictus Games are all about,” Lieutenant General Landrum said. He added: “we are very proud of the Ukrainian athletes who are here, as we are of all the athletes, but because of the special circumstances with Ukraine, it particularly hits your heart to see their athletes here from that nation”.
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has supported the participation of the Ukrainian national team in the Invictus Games since 2017, with funding drawn from the NATO-Ukraine Medical Rehabilitation Trust Fund.
Over 500 participants from 20 nations were registered for the 2022 Invictus Games. The 2023 edition will be held in Dusseldorf, Germany.