Invictus Games Foundation Strengthens NATO Ties at Communicators Conference in Athens
Athens, 25 September 2025 – Richard Smith CBE, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Invictus Games Foundation, addressed NATO’s Communicators Conference in Athens this week, highlighting the growing alignment between NATO and the Invictus Movement in championing individual recovery and resilience.
Presenting on “The Invictus Movement: Building a Global Community – The Human Perspective,” the Foundation’s role in changing and saving lives through sport and adventure was highlighted through demonstrating the transformative impact of the Invictus Games for wounded, injured and sick (WIS) service members, veterans, and their families.
Richard Smith CBE, said, “I was delighted to be asked to speak at the conference highlighting the human element within our recovery pathways and the ways in which we collaborate with international partners to achieve our goals at the systemic level. Mindful in doing so, of the continued need to focus on the individuals undertaking their recovery, all those affected by injury or illness, as well as shining a spotlight to build respect and recognition for those serving in our armed forces.”
With some commonality in both NATO and the Invictus Community membership, this demonstrates how the two organisations share fundamental values of respect, hope, and belonging, and a clear commitment to servicemen and women, veterans, and their families. By valuing the human factor, not just capabilities and equipment, the Invictus Games Foundation can help reinforce NATO’s Moral Component of Fighting Power in creating a culture in which service personnel know their long-term welfare will be safeguarded.
Building on this theme, our work in Ukraine offers further opportunities for future collaboration. The Foundation is working with Ukraine’s Ministry of Veteran Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office to align with NATO’s Op RENOVATOR, while also supporting Ukraine’s ambition to host a future Invictus Games. Planned contributions from the Foundation so far include delivery of equipment, a “physical activity in a box” programme, research to secure resources, and subject matter expertise on recovery and rehabilitation.
Our attendance in Athens builds upon a sustained period of engagement between the Invictus Games Foundation and NATO. In November last year, we presented to NATO’s Military Committee, and more recently attended the ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of Germany’s accession to NATO in Berlin, highlighting the Games’ impact not only on veterans but also on shifting national attitudes to service and defence such as the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023, which helped establish Germany’s first national Veterans’ Day.
Our address in Athens ended by reiterating the Foundation’s ambition to serve as a trusted partner on the international stage. Through sport and adventure, we inspire, improve, and influence recovery on a global scale. By working together with NATO, we can build resilience across societies, reinforce readiness, and ensure that those who have given in the service of their countries—and their families—are supported long after their military careers have ended.