Don Lindsay Appointed Chair of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025
Vancouver Whistler Games Corporation today announced the appointment of Don Lindsay as Chair of the Board of Directors, and Chair of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.
“We are delighted to announce that Don has been appointed as Chair of the first ever Winter Invictus Games,” said Nick Booth, Chief Executive Officer, True Patriot Love Foundation. “Don’s experience, proven leadership capabilities and passion for the Invictus movement make him an excellent choice to help deliver an innovative Games that will be remembered for years, while highlighting the impact that sports can have on recovery for ill and injured servicemembers and Veterans.”
“I am thrilled to accept the role of Chair for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. These Games will showcase the importance of adaptative sports for those recovering from illness or injury, while also highlight the beauty of British Columbia,” said Don Lindsay. “Those who serve in militaries around the world offer up so much of themselves for their country and I am honoured to be able to give my time and efforts to thank them and help support them and their families on their journey of recovery. I look forward to working closely with supporters, participating Nations, local communities and the staff team on making this an Invictus Games that will be remembered forever.”
“I am pleased to hear that Don Lindsay has been selected as the Chair of the Vancouver Whistler Games Corporation. Mr. Lindsay’s appointment is another important step as we prepare to welcome the Invictus Games back to Canada in 2025. The Government of Canada is committed to honouring members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Canadian Veterans for their service and sacrifices, and the 2025 Invictus Games will provide all Canadians with opportunities to recognize these competitors and their families. We look forward to seeing you in 2025,” said The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, Government of Canada.
“Welcome to the team, Don,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “These Games represent a great opportunity for the athletes to showcase their strength and skills. The Province is pleased to work with the Vancouver Whistler Games Corporation and True Patriot Love as we prepare to host the 2025 Invictus Games in B.C.”.
Dominic Reid, CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation, said “We are excited to see the development of the Invictus movement to include demonstrating the power of winter sports in supporting the recovery of international wounded injured and sick service personnel and veterans. A Chair of Don Lindsay’s calibre will be vitally important in ensuring that the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 not only delivers an incredible Games, but also a continued legacy for sports recovery in Canada and internationally.”
Mr. Lindsay recently retired after a successful 18-year career as President and CEO of Teck Resources Limited, Canada’s largest diversified mining, mineral processing and metallurgical company. He is currently Vice Chair of Manulife Financial Corporation and will become Chair on February 15, 2023. His previous experience includes almost two decades with CIBC World Markets Inc., where he ultimately served as President after periods as Head of Investment and Corporate Banking and Head of the Asia Pacific Region. Mr. Lindsay recently served as the Chair of the Business Council of Canada.
This appointment follows the recent announcement that Peter Lawless has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Lawless has devoted his life to the Olympic and Paralympic movement, helping athletes realize their potential and achieve their dreams. A former Vice President of the Canadian Olympic Committee, and current Director of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, Mr. Lawless has been responsible for helping to shape the strategy and direction for sport in Canada, ensuring continued podium success and the advancement of Olympic and Paralympic values throughout the Canadian sporting community. Mr. Lawless has been a part of every Invictus Games since 2016 in roles from serving as the Head Coach of the Canadian Team to being a key member of the bid committee that was awarded the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.
Thanks to the successful bid from True Patriot Love Foundation, with support from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia, Canada will welcome over 500 competitors from over 20 countries to participate in the most innovative and accessible Games to date. For the first time, the Invictus Games will include adaptive winter sports like alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, skeleton and wheelchair curling.
The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will be held on the traditional territories of the x ʷ məθ kʷə y əm (Musqueam), S ḵwxw ú7mesh (Squamish), S ə l ílw ətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and L ílwat Nation. The organizing committee are working closely to ensure they respond to Canada’s Truth & Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, and ensure Indigenous protocols are respected in all aspects of the Games.
