Following its successful premiere in 2024, the Invictus Germany Sports Festival will return to CASTELLO Düsseldorf. From June 12 to 14, 2026, around 150 competitors from eight to ten nations are expected to arrive in Düsseldorf with their families and friends for the second edition of the festival to compete in four sports and experience community in the spirit of Invictus. The festival builds directly on the successful first edition and is another central component of the Invictus Germany movement, which emerged from the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023.
In addition to the competitions, the focus will be on topics such as inclusion, rehabilitation, and social recognition. The aim of the festival is to bring veterans visibly into the center of society and build bridges between the German Armed Forces, civil society, and international partners. The 2026 festival will thus send a strong signal for respect, cohesion, and sustainable responsibility.
Sports at the Invictus Germany Sports Festival 2026 will include Indoor Rowing, Sitting Volleyball, Spinning and Table Tennis. Details on registration and participation will be announced at a later date.
The weekend will kick off on Friday, June 12, at 10 a.m. with a symposium on the topic of “Rehabilitation and Inclusion.” Before the competitions begin on Saturday, June 13, at 11 a.m. with indoor rowing, table tennis, and sitting volleyball, the symposium - carried out by FUAV e.V. (Association for the Support of Work with Disabled Persons at the Warendorf Site e.V.) - will continue at 9 a.m. On Sunday, the sporting events will begin at 9 a.m. with spinning, table tennis, and sitting volleyball.
Dr. Stephan Keller, Mayor of the State Capital of Düsseldorf and Patron of Invictus Germany: "We experienced the uniqueness of the Invictus Spirit for the first time in Düsseldorf in 2023. That's why I'm delighted that, following the first edition of the Invictus Germany Sports Festival in 2024 and the Invictus Germany Awards in 2025, we are once again bringing people together this year who are not only interested in sport, but above all in community and important exchanges with one another. Düsseldorf is and remains ‘A home for respect’. With the second Sports Festival, we are once again sending a signal for inclusion and visibility."
Rob Owen OBE, CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation: "Since the hosting of the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023, we continue to be impressed by what the city of Düsseldorf, the Federal Ministry of Defence, and the German Armed Forces have achieved together. We're proud of the role the Games played in generating support for a national Veteran's Day, and of what Invictus Germany continue to deliver as a legacy for the Invictus Movement. We look forward to joining them for the Invictus Germany Sports Festival 2026 alongside other members of our international community."
Michael Brill, CEO of D.LIVE: "Following the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023, we have created something sustainable with Invictus Germany to bring together people injured in action and their families on a regular basis. As in 2024, CASTELLO will provide the perfect setting for an extraordinary weekend. We are looking forward to the second edition of the Invictus Germany Sports Festival and cordially invite everyone to experience the Invictus Spirit for themselves on site."
Martin Ammermann, COO Sports, Major Events: “With the 2026 Sports Festival, we are continuing the legacy of the Invictus Games. Our strategy is considered an international showcase project for the Invictus Games Foundation. We are already seeing great interest from various nations in participating again.”
About Invictus Germany
The Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 marked the first time that Germany hosted the world's largest sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick Service personnel and veterans. Boeing, the world's largest aerospace company, acted as the presenting partner. Boeing has been a partner and supporter of the Invictus Games Foundation, the organization behind the Invictus Games, since 2018, underscoring its global commitment to the rehabilitation of active and former service members.
Over 500 competitors from 21 nations competed in ten sports, sending a powerful message of resilience, team spirit, and respect. This experience gave rise to Invictus Germany – an initiative that continues to promote the values and spirit of the Games. The Invictus Germany Sports Festival (first held in 2024), the Invictus Germany Awards (since 2025), and other projects continue the idea behind the Games: to permanently bring the issue of veterans and soldiers injured in action to the forefront of society.
