The Invictus Games: Empowering Warriors Through Sports

WWP warrior Mary Porter, with Alex Porter, atop a snowy mountain during the Invictus Games.

Mary and Alex Porter at the Invictus Games in February 2025. Mary is a WWP warrior who competed in Alpine ski and indoor rowing at the event. (No Department of Defense or federal endorsement implied)

The Invictus Games recently wrapped up its seventh edition in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, and Team U.S. featured 35 warriors registered with Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP).

These WWP warriors were among the 550 competitors from 25 nations competing in 11 different sports: Alpine skiing, snowboarding, indoor rowing, biathlon, Nordic skiing, sitting volleyball, skeleton, swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair curling, and wheelchair rugby.

Team U.S. was comprised of service members and veterans from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and Special Operations Command. More than half were registered warriors with WWP. The WWP warriors included Army National Guard veteran Mary Porter, Army veteran Mike Murphy, and many more who grew their skills in modified athletic opportunities through WWP’s Adaptive Sports, Physical Health and Wellness, and Soldier Ride^® programs.

“Adaptive sports have saved my life,” said Mary, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2021 and originally given just months to live. “I was extremely depressed after my diagnosis. I would look at Mount Hood, at where I skied for 50 years, and would just be so sad that I couldn’t do that anymore. But after finding adaptive sports, it’s given me task and purpose … I want to do my best for myself and for Team U.S.!”

The Power of Sports

WWP warrior Mike Murphy goes airborne on a snowboard during an event at the Invictus Games. — WWP warrior Mike Murphy competes in Alpine snowboarding at the Invictus Games in February 2025. (No Department of Defense or federal endorsement implied)

The Invictus Games are about so much more than the competition.

The word “Invictus” means “unconquered” in Latin. It’s a term that represents the fighting spirit of wounded, injured, and ill service members and veterans. It also embodies what these brave men and women can achieve during their recovery journeys. Their service and sacrifice come at a high cost and their wounds, visible or invisible, are something they must learn to live with every day, but they do not define them. It’s out of their will and motivation to keep going that this international adaptative sports competition was born in 2014.

“When I was little, I used to watch the Olympics and dream of being on that stage,” said Mary. “Now, I get the opportunity to compete internationally.”

During the 2013 Department of Defense Warrior Games in the United States, the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, witnessed firsthand how the power of sport can aid injured servicemen and women physically, mentally, and emotionally. With a passion for the military community, Prince Harry instantly knew he wanted to create an event like this at the international level. In 2014, the inaugural Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick service members and veterans, began in London.

WWP warrior Mary Porter sits in a sled on top of a snowy mountain at the Invictus Games. — WWP warrior Mary Porter at the Invictus Games in February 2025. (No Department of Defense or federal endorsement implied)

“It’s a humbling experience – there’s a huge list of people to thank. But among everything else that’s going on, it’s just such an incredible thing to represent Team U.S. one more time,” said Mike Murphy, a blind Army veteran who competed in the Invictus Games for the second time this year. “My favorite thing about the 2022 games was meeting the other families, and really having a big family reunion with them this year on top of connecting with other people. It’s so powerful.”

By participating in sports, the military community can find healing, connection, and purpose again. Most of the time, these warriors hear “no” because of their injuries, whether visible, like having to use a wheelchair, or invisible, like living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By participating in modified athletic opportunities, like Invictus Games, they are empowered to improve their physical health and wellness, while making lifelong connections with others.

Adaptive sports is the only area where I don’t feel blind or disabled ...

“I need it – the combination of being able to compete at this level and have fun with it, but also the sheer camaraderie,” said Mike. “Team U.S. allows you to meet so many families and other athletes and see their awesome journeys too. Adaptive sports is the only area where I don’t feel blind or disabled – we’re all competing, we’re all one huge family.”

According to WWP’s latest Warrior Survey*, more than 60% of WWP warriors reported talking with another veteran was a top tool or resource for dealing with stress, emotional challenges, or mental health concerns. When it comes to helping our bravest heal, human connection is one of the most important factors, and it can be found through sports. It’s a platform that allows warriors to come together, no matter their skill level or branch of service. With their inner strength and resiliency, they reinvent themselves, overcome, and inspire.

“Everything is possible, so don’t be afraid to try it,” said Mike. “For some, it may be a simple sport, but for me it saved my life.”

*Warrior Survey, Wave 2 (conducted June 15-Aug. 24, 2022)

No Department of Defense or federal endorsement implied

Contact: Kaitlyn McCue, Public Relations, kmccue@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.870.1964

About Wounded Warrior Project

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.

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