Invictus Community Comes Together for International Winter Sports Camp in Estonia

The Invictus Games Foundation has funded a Winter Sports Training Camp in Estonia for four members of the Invictus Community of Nations to come together and use the power of winter sports for recovery.

This was the second consecutive year the Foundation has supported the camp as part of the Beyond the Games programme, following a highly successful event in 2025.

Participants from Estonia, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium came together to form a small international community, giving members of the We Are Invictus Community the opportunity to experience winter sports, share recovery stories, and build friendships and connections across borders.

The camp is held at Kääriku Spordikeskus, Estonia a sports centre in operation since 1947, chosen for its facilities and suitability for adaptive winter sports.

Throughout the camp, participants had the opportunity to take part in a range of sports, including Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, and Sitting Volleyball, allowing them to challenge themselves physically, learn new skills, and enjoy the camaraderie of team and individual activities.

Pickleball, which will make its debut at the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, was also included, giving the community the chance to try the sport and practice ahead of the Games.

The camp was well received by the participants, with some describing the camp as a chance to "overcome apprehension and be authentic among peers without needing to appear stronger than reality".

Belgian participant John Corten described his experience with one word: “Friendship,” adding that the camp helped him realise, “I’m not alone.”

“While on the mountain (alpine skiing) I saw how the German and Belgian participants were skiing incorrectly. I went to them and gave them some advice and their skiing improved. It lifted my mood to be able to help someone. Since I don't have a leg, I understand and can help people with similar problems better," Aigar Mätlik of Estonia said.

He added, “What I can’t do today I can do tomorrow. For example, while interacting with a physiotherapist, psychologist, and sports instructor at the camp, I made a plan to run a full marathon in 2026. I didn't think about it even when I was healthy.”

The Winter Sports Training Camp demonstrates the power of sport in helping WIS participants from different countries recover, build confidence, and strengthen connections within the international community. By combining physical challenge with shared experiences, the camp creates opportunities for learning, personal growth, and lasting friendships.

“We are all the same, and nobody asked what my problem is. It was great to help," participant Wim De Rudder said.

If you are a member of the international Armed Forces community and were injured or fell ill during or as a direct result of your service, you are eligible to join the We Are Invictus platform and access opportunities like this Beyond the Games.