International Invictus Community United Through Sitting Volleyball in the Netherlands

The Invictus Games Foundation was proud to support wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans from across Europe to take part in the Base Sit Cup 2026 in the Netherlands.

Hosted by the Return to Base Foundation, the Base Sit Cup brought together participants from Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom for five days of adaptive sitting volleyball, community building and international connection.

Designed to promote physical rehabilitation, teamwork and social connection, the event provided participants with an opportunity to challenge themselves through sport while building relationships with fellow members of the international Invictus Community.

Through the Foundation's Beyond the Games programme, participants were supported to attend the event, reinforcing the Foundation's commitment to creating recovery opportunities throughout the year and beyond the Invictus Games themselves.

For many attendees, the event was about much more than competition. Alongside the sitting volleyball programme, participants had the opportunity to connect with peers from different nations, share experiences and strengthen the bonds that unite the international Invictus Community.

"Everybody was so warm and friendly. Bart, the event manager, was the perfect host. We all had a lovely time and a great laugh. Thank you for allowing us to participate," Kevin Stammers said reflecting on his experience.

"I learned that despite your injury, you can still have a great time playing sport and remain connected with other like-minded athletes," he said.

The experience left a lasting impact, motivating participants to continue their recovery journeys long after the event had ended.

"I feel more motivated than ever to continue my rehabilitation and prepare for the upcoming Invictus Games Trials for the United Kingdom," Kevin said.

For Michael, one of the highlights was the opportunity to connect with participants from across Europe.

"The city tour was brilliant, with the rest of the participating countries, with a focus on making new friends," he said.

Patrick van Meenen highlighted the importance of the Invictus Games Foundation's Beyond the Games programme that brings the community together through regular opportunities like the Base Sit Cup.

"We need this event every year. It was great," he said.

The impact of the event was perhaps best summed up by participant Margus Hopp, who shared a message of thanks to the Foundation.

"Thank you for these different opportunities. Keep up the good work of bringing servicemen and servicewomen together, to get better and to be better. Huge respect from my side."

The Foundation's support formed part of its wider Beyond the Games programme, which helps maintain connection, purpose and opportunities for recovery year round through sport and community initiatives around the world.

By supporting participation in events such as the Base Sit Cup, the Foundation continues to champion the long term recovery of the international wounded, injured and sick service community, creating opportunities for individuals to develop confidence, build lasting friendships and experience the power of sport beyond the Games.