San Diego has moved a step closer to hosting the 2029 Invictus Games after the Invictus Games Foundation announced on Wednesday that the city was selected as one of the top three finalists in London. The international event, created in 2014 by Prince Harry, brings together wounded, injured and ill service members for a celebration of recovery and resilience.
Why San Diego?
The city’s military ties and community support make it a natural fit for the Invictus Games. Andy Soler, co-chair of the Invictus Games San Diego 2029 Bid Committee, said the city already embodies the “Invictus” spirit. “We’ve got a huge military presence here. We have 130,000 active servicemen,” Soler said. “We’ve got almost three times the amount of retired veterans living here in San Diego. We’ve got over 100 charitable foundations that dedicate themselves purely for the recovery and wellness of veterans.”
A City That Honors Service
Soler added that having the games in San Diego would amplify a message about the importance of looking after service members. “Everywhere you go, whether you go to Petco Park, whether you go to Snapdragon and go to the Padres or San Diego FC, they honor the military,” Soler said. “We already embrace our military here, and we want to showcase that to the world.”
The Other Finalists
The two other finalist cities are Aalborg, Denmark, and Daejeon, South Korea. The winner of the 2029 Invictus Games will be announced in July.
How to Get Involved
Soler said interested parties can express their interest through a link provided on the bid committee’s website. (Link omitted.)
Media Coverage
NBC 7’s Shandel Menezes reported that the Invictus Games are modeled after the Warrior Games in the United States and celebrate wounded, injured and sick service people and their recovery.
What the Invictus Games Mean
The Invictus Games Foundation’s mission is to provide a stage for wounded and sick service members and veterans. The games aim to inspire and empower participants and audiences worldwide.
Community Impact
San Diego’s large veteran population, active military installations, and numerous veteran-focused charities position the city as a strong host. The community’s existing infrastructure and support networks could provide a solid foundation for the event’s logistics and outreach.
Anticipated Benefits
Hosting the Invictus Games would bring international attention to San Diego’s veteran community, highlight the city’s commitment to service members, and potentially stimulate local economic activity through tourism and related events.
Key Takeaways
- San Diego is a top-three finalist for the 2029 Invictus Games announced on Wednesday in London.
- The city’s military presence, veteran population, and charitable foundations align with the Invictus Games’ mission.
- The winner will be announced in July, with finalists also including Aalborg, Denmark, and Daejeon, South Korea.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for San Diego as it positions itself to welcome wounded and ill service members to a global celebration of resilience and recovery.
