Invictus Games Foundation delegation visit Ukraine to launch new Signature Programme

Members of the Invictus Games Foundation today joined our Founder and Patron The Duke of Sussex in Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian veterans and their families and to discuss the development of adaptive sports in Ukraine.

The visit was co-organized by the Superhumans Center, Stratcom Ukraine, and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine. The Duke was accompanied by representatives of the Invictus Games Foundation — CEO Rob Owen OBE, David Wiseman, Josh Boggi, and Helen D’Oyley.

Rob Owen OBE, CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation says, “We are so excited to be here in Ukraine as part of our renewed focus on prioritising sport recovery where the need is great. Ukraine has been a valued member of our community since 2017, and we are delighted to be here in partnership with organisations in Ukraine announcing new programmes of support."

Earlier today, at the Museum of War, a panel discussion took place focusing on the collaboration between the Invictus Games Foundation and Ukraine, as well as the role of adaptive sports in the recovery of service members. The Duke of Sussex was joined on this panel by our Chief Programmes and Strategy Officer David Wiseman.

That is why the Invictus Games are so important: it’s not just about the veterans who participate, it’s about their families, their communities, and everyone standing alongside them. Ultimately, it’s about a country that can look at these people and say, ‘Here are true heroes.’

I know it’s challenging right now to find the time and space for sport. But every moment you move your body, every outlet you find for your energy and emotions, is an investment in your future, in the future of your children, and in the future of your country. I genuinely encourage everyone in this room and all who have served, regardless of injuries, to try something new. Sport is accessible. We need to make it even more accessible, especially adaptive sports,” emphasized Prince Harry.

As announced this week at our Invictus Horizons event, we have adjusted our strategy focusing on acheiving systemic change where the need is great, making Ukraine one of our development priorities. As Ukraine have been members of our community since 2017, we recognize the scale of work already underway and the work that still needs to be done with the participation of the state, businesses, and independent organizations such as Stratcom Ukraine.

“Over the years of the war, Ukraine has become highly visible within the Invictus family. As a result, specific projects will now be implemented: procurement of adaptive equipment, support for regional events, research, and other initiatives,” shared Alina Frolova, founder of Stratcom Ukraine.

Equipment Funding

We will provide funding for purchasing equipment to improve access to sport outside Ukraine’s major city hubs. This will enable organisations supporting wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans to access essential sporting equipment, creating opportunities for recovery, resilience, and community at a local level.

Train-the-Trainer Adaptive Snowsports

We are also working in partnership with the Armed Forces Para Snowsport Team (AFPST) and Ukrainian Action for a programme taking place almost one year on from the first ever Winter Hybrid Invictus Games. 18 Ukrainian snowsport coaches will receive training from six AFPST adaptive coaches (four of whom are members of the wounded injured and sick service community themselves). Instruction will cover adaptive skiing, snowboarding and Nordic disciplines, as well as safety, adaptive classification, coaching methodology and mental health first aid. For the first programme, 24 Ukrainian WIS participants will attend the first Ukrainian Action rehabilitation course, benefiting from the enhanced coaching delivered jointly by AFPST and the newly trained Ukrainian coaches.

This model aims to create a sustainable legacy by building local coaching capacity and ensuring that adaptive winter sports remain an accessible pathway for recovery in Ukraine

Prince Harry concluded his speech with the following words:

“Ukraine, and the energy that the Invictus team brings with them, lifts people to their feet. People applaud not out of sympathy, but out of respect. And today, having learned what you are all going through, and what the whole country faces each night while the enemy tries to wear you down, I do not see defeat or exhaustion in any Ukrainian. Every time I meet a Ukrainian, I see a reborn or unbreakable strength of spirit. And as long as — and it will always be — Ukraine stands together, you will always have this unbreakable spirit. Ukraine shows what it means to be Invictus, and we will be with you on this journey, for however long it takes.”

This is Prince Harry’s second visit to Ukraine. In April 2025, the Duke of Sussex and the Invictus Games Foundation visited Lviv, where he met with participants of the Invictus Games from various years, including Taira from the Heart of Invictus Netflix series, and with patients of Superhumans.

This follow up Kyiv meeting was yet another confirmation that Ukrainian service members embody courage and strength, and that their experiences of struggle and recovery have global significance. Prince Harry’s personal visit underscores our ongoing support for Ukraine and for wounded injured and sick service personnel and veterans worldwide.