The Bid Candidate City is Daejeon
Bidding Committee Established
The bidding process for the '2029 Invictus Games,' a global sporting event for wounded veterans, is set to intensify.
On the 9th (local time), the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs announced on the 12th that a government delegation led by Vice Minister Lee Hee-wan submitted a 'Letter of Intent to Bid for the 2029 Invictus Games' to the Invictus Games Foundation at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Canada. The submission event was attended by Prince Harry, the founder of the Invictus Games, and Charles Allen, Chairman of the Foundation.
Vice Minister Lee stated, “If the 2029 Games are held in the Republic of Korea, it will be the first time the event takes place in Asia, marking a significant expansion of the Invictus Games from its traditional focus on the Americas and Western Europe to Asia. This will greatly contribute to spreading global interest and support for the rehabilitation of wounded veterans.” He added, “In particular, it will be a special opportunity to share with the world the experiences and values of international solidarity, including the dedication to freedom demonstrated during the Korean War.”
Vice Minister Lee emphasized, “I deeply resonate with Invictus’s vision of encouraging the rehabilitation and recovery of wounded veterans through the power of sport and spreading understanding and respect for those who have devoted themselves to their country. We look forward to realizing the Invictus vision together with the Republic of Korea.”
In response, Prince Harry welcomed Korea’s hope to host the Invictus Games and expressed anticipation for a good competition. Chairman Charles Allen also remarked, “Last year, I had a good conversation with Minister Kang Jeong-ae of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, and today’s meeting is a continuation of that discussion. The expansion of the Invictus spirit into Asia is very important, and we look forward to the interest and warm welcome of the Korean people.”
Meanwhile, to support the bid for the Invictus Games, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs launched the ‘2029 Invictus Games Bidding Committee’ at the end of last year. The committee consists of 27 members, including vice ministers or vice minister-level officials from 15 government ministries, deputy heads of candidate cities, and civilian experts in veterans affairs, diplomacy, sports, and public relations, including the President of the Korea Disabled Veterans Organization. The domestic candidate city was decided as Daejeon Metropolitan City.
Furthermore, if the 2029 Invictus Games are successfully hosted, over 2,500 athletes and officials from more than 20 countries will come to Korea to compete. According to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, the event is expected to enhance the national brand value through global live broadcasts during the Games, contribute to the rehabilitation sports and rehabilitation and medical systems infrastructure for disabled national veterans, and also stimulate the local economy of the host region.
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