Invictus Games Foundation Supports Development of Adaptive Archery in Lithuania
The Invictus Games Foundation has provided funding to the Lithuanian Armed Forces Wounded Warrior Foundation to support the introduction of adaptive archery for wounded, injured and sick (WIS) service personnel and veterans in Lithuania.
Having joined the Invictus Games Foundation Community of Nations in July 2024, Lithuania continues to develop new opportunities for its WIS community. Archery is not currently available as a recovery sport for Lithuanian participants, and this investment will enable access to adaptive archery for the first time.
The funding has supported the purchase of essential adaptive archery equipment, including pulley bow kits, carbon arrows, bow cases, armguards, bow stands and quivers, alongside target systems, safety nets and related training infrastructure. Provision has also been made for servicing, maintenance and logistics to ensure the equipment can be safely stored, transported and used across different regions of Lithuania.
"For many wounded and injured service members, access to this equipment is not only about sport, but about rebuilding confidence, focus, and a sense of purpose after injury," said Mindaugas Kolbinas, Chairman of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Wounded Warrior Foundation.
"For me, as the Chairman of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Wounded Warrior Foundation, it is extremely important to create opportunities and conditions for wounded service members and veterans to recover through sport.
"Archery and specialized adaptive equipment are expensive, and without this support, most of our wounded soldiers simply would not be able to personally invest in such high-quality gear. This funding removes a major financial barrier and ensures equal access to training opportunities," Mindaugas said.
The equipment will be stored at the Foundation’s headquarters, where it will be maintained and managed centrally. From there, it will be distributed to other regions to maximise access and ensure participants across the country can benefit. Licensed adaptive sport coaches are already in place to deliver training and support competitors as they begin their journey in archery.
Vytenis Babeckas, a member of the Lithuanian WIS community, who has been using the funded archery equipment he said: “After my injury, I wasn’t sure what I would be able to do again. Training with a compound bow gave me back a sense of control and progress. It’s not just about shooting, it’s about believing in yourself again."
Introducing adaptive archery will support rehabilitation and recovery by building confidence, focus and physical strength. It will also create a pathway towards competitive participation, including future Invictus Games.
A team of Lithuanian WIS personnel are due to take part in the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, and this development marks an important step in their preparation.
Beyond performance, the programme aims to strengthen peer networks, create opportunities for personal development and share stories of recovery within the wider international Invictus Games Community.
As the newest member of the Community of Nations, Lithuania’s expansion into adaptive archery reflects the Invictus Games Foundation’s commitment to supporting emerging nations in building sustainable, locally led recovery pathways through sport.