Invictus Games Foundation joins International Conference on Veterans Affairs in Seoul

This week, the Invictus Games Foundation was invited to the Republic of Korea to attend the International Conference on Veterans Affairs in Seoul. The event was organised by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA), and to build stronger ties with the country’s veteran community and, government representatives.

For the first time,, and the event was focused on organisations supporting wounded, injured, and sick (WIS) service personnel .

The annual conference provided a platform to exchange ideas on rehabilitation for the WIS community, with perspectives from the Republic of Korea and across the international Invictus Community of Nations.

For the Invictus Games Foundation, it was a chance not only to contribute but also to listen and strengthen connections with the veteran community in the Republic of Korea, the first East Asian country to join the community and compete at the Invictus Games.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer Richard Smith and Head of Operations Caroline Davis represented the Foundation to help further the growth of the Invictus Movement and share our new strategic direction, revealed at the Invictus Horizons event last month.

Caroline said at the International Conference on Veterans Affairs: “We aim to strengthen ties with each member of the Invictus Community of Nations and increase our regional presence, learning the nuances, difficulties and opportunities presented by each member of our community. It is vital that we continue to share best practice across borders, building a global community on common values.”

She was also deeply struck by what she learned in Seoul, particularly from Team Manager of Invictus Games Team Korea, Jake Moon. “It was especially humbling to hear from Jake, who spoke about the increased recognition and care for veterans since joining the Invictus Community at the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 and featuring in Netflix’s Heart of Invictus. His efforts to change attitudes toward disability in Korea are remarkable, and his vision to expand this impact regionally across Asia shows the true ripple effect of the Invictus Movement.”

Robert Pullen, a competitor for Team Canada at the recent Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, and Rachel Kerrigan, a competitor for Team Australia at the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 and now a Boeing employee, were also invited to speak and share their experiences of rehabilitation and recovery through the power of sport.

Both alumni remarked that “sport was their medicine” and were eager to share their stories with the Korean community.

The spirit of the conference was captured in a keynote address by Rachel Kerrigan titled I AM Invictus. She explained, “Sport proves what is possible. It transforms lives. It builds resilience. It creates belonging. That power was alive in every conversation this week.”

Rachel discussed how being in Seoul gave the words I AM Invictus renewed meaning for her. She was struck by visits to the Seoul National Cemetery, the National Museum, and Gyeongbokgung Palace, which reminded her how far along she is on her recovery journey and how sport helped transform her life.

She was greatly impressed by the respect shown by Korean society to the WIS community and reminded attendees that wounded or ill service personnel need continued support and respect on their journey of recovery, whatever form it takes.

The Foundation’s visit to Seoul also included a wreath-laying ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

For Deputy CEO Richard Smith, who represented the Foundation at the ceremony, the experience was both solemn and uplifting. He reflected, “It was a great honour to be invited to lay a wreath on behalf of both the Invictus Games Foundation and the International Conference on Veterans Affairs. I was struck by the quiet, dignified and inspiring setting of the Cemetery, delivered through graceful memorials, symbolic protocol and immaculate ceremonial drill. It captured so much of the Korean nation’s deep sense of community, support for its Armed Forces, and commitment to honour those who have served.”

He added in the Visitors’ Book: “With deep respect on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation, remembering and honouring those who have given in the Service of their country. We are so proud that the Republic of Korea shines brightly within our Invictus community of nations.”

The city of Daejeon, Republic of Korea is currently one of six cities bidding to host the Invictus Games 2029. The announcement of the shortlist of candidate cities will be made later in the year.