The first day of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 in Canada has sparked a lot of conversations.
The opening ceremony, which took place on Saturday, February 8 at BC Place in Vancouver, was simply spectacular.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, surrounded by music stars like Katy Perry, Nelly Furtado, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, and Noah Kahan, warmly welcomed the athletes participating in this year’s competition, which includes winter sports for the first time.
More than 550 competitors from 25 countries paraded through BC Place. The Ukrainian team received a standing ovation upon arrival, while the Canadian team closed the parade wearing flannel shirts, adding a local and authentic touch to the event.
Athletes will compete in 11 adapted winter sports, including alpine skiing, snowboarding, and skeleton, in addition to mainstream disciplines such as wheelchair basketball and swimming. A true celebration of sport and achievement.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games 2025
One could not start the Invictus Games without some meaningful words from Prince Harry.
His speech was moving and motivational, welcoming the veterans.
“Over the past decade, I’ve lost count of the times that we’ve heard you tell us that the Invictus Games ‘saved you.’ Respectfully, I disagree. Invictus didn’t save you. You saved yourself,” Harry said on stage.
He continued, “It was you who pushed through the doubt and despair. You who summited your own mountain and brought us along with you. It was you who kept going even when you didn’t think you had any more to give. We didn’t do that. You did. The Games simply reveal what is already within you. That scarcest – and most precious – of the world’s resources: character. A spirit of fortitude and perseverance that can never be defeated. That is the magic of the Invictus Games.” These words resonated in the hearts of everyone present.
Also, during the opening ceremony, the couple cheered on the athletes as they entered the Parade of Nations. Meghan, with her phone in hand, captured special moments of the event.
In an instant, they both appeared on the giant screen, prompting loud cheers from the crowd. Meghan, smiling, turned to Harry and rubbed his back as he waved.
Another great moment occurred when, in the middle of the ceremony, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared a kiss before Harry stepped away to deliver his inspirational speech.
The event marks Harry and Meghan’s first official appearance together since their tour of Colombia in August.
In January, they helped and visited fire victims in Los Angeles.
Overall, the Invictus Games are a powerful platform to celebrate resilience and the human spirit, and this opening has left everyone wanting more.
