Invictus Games Foundation Supports 60 WIS Participants at Carrera por los Héroes
The Invictus Games Foundation was proud to support 60 wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans from the Invictus community in Colombia to take part in the 2026 Carrera por los Héroes in Bogotá.
Organised by Corporación Matamoros, the Carrera por los Héroes is one of Colombia’s most significant sporting events dedicated to supporting members of the Armed Forces and Police who have been wounded or injured in service. First launched in 2009, this year marked the 18th edition of the event, bringing together thousands of participants both in Bogotá and remotely across the country.
Through the Foundation’s Beyond the Games programme, 60 members of the wounded, injured and sick (WIS) community were supported to participate in the event, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to providing recovery opportunities beyond the Invictus Games themselves.
This activation was organised through our support of the Directorate of Veterans and Inclusive Rehabilitation (DIVRI), the Colombian Ministry of National Defense agency that provides rehabilitation, social inclusion, and well-being services to military and police veterans
A spokesperson for DIVRI reflected on the impact the event had on the 60 participants; "Participating in the Carrera por los Héroes was a truly meaningful and unforgettable experience for our users."
"It was deeply inspiring to see individuals with a wide range of physical and mental injuries and disabilities take part in and complete their races, demonstrating not only their perseverance, but also the impact of the ongoing training and support they receive through DIVRI," said David Camacho Córdoba.
“The event was made even more special by the participation of people from different cities, creating a strong sense of unity and shared purpose. For many of our users, this was their first ever race, making it a powerful opportunity for connection, confidence-building and personal growth."
“There were many emotional moments throughout the day. Fellow runners showed incredible solidarity by offering encouragement, helping participants through more challenging sections of the course and motivating them to keep going all the way to the finish line. Watching our users complete the races was a source of immense pride and joy for everyone involved," David said.
“We sincerely thank the Invictus Games Foundation for its invaluable support in making opportunities like this possible. Events such as the Carrera por los Héroes play an important role in promoting recovery, inclusion and empowerment through sport.”
Event participant Jose Roldan spoke about the impact the support had on his recovery journey, saying: “Thanks to the support we receive, we are able to take part in activities that provide so much recovery and connection with the world around us.
The support of the Invictus Games Foundation motivates us to train harder, prepare ourselves and rise to the challenge. It is not just about taking part in an event, it is the preparation beforehand that inspires us to give our very best. Thank you, and I hope there will be many more events around the world in which I can participate.”
Jenifer Adriana Ramírez Triana, who was one of the 60 participants said: “At some point in our lives, we lost something while defending our countries, and now you are teaching us the true meaning of gratitude and resilience.”
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 Carrera por los Héroes, the Foundation continues to champion the long-term recovery of the international wounded, injured and sick service community, creating opportunities for individuals to challenge themselves, reconnect with others and experience the power of sport wherever they are in the world.