Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 Celebrates First Ever Unconquered Sports Day at Seaforth Armoury in Kitsilano
The unconquered spirit of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, presented by ATCO and Boeing, was felt throughout the Seaforth Armoury as we held our first ever Unconquered Sports Day at the Seaforth Armoury in Kitsilano on Family Day. More than 1,200 visitors came out to experience a selection of the adaptive sports that will be included in the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 and to celebrate the official One Year to Go Countdown. From Indoor Rowing to Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Basketball to Indoor Wheelchair Curling, the unrivaled power of sport was on full display.
Everyone had an opportunity to experience the adaptive sports and learn more about the Games through play. Fully inclusive and accessible, this free Family Day event welcomed all ages and abilities while bringing together adaptive sport partners and the military all in one venue. The majority of visitors were from the general public and also included friends of the sport organizations and the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.
The laughter echoed throughout the Armoury, and there were giant smiles everywhere. Children lined up for face-painting and enjoyed weaving cedar bracelets with our partners from Musqueam. The team from Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) was on hand along with Sergeant Cuddlesworth, their gigantic teddy bear, who was available to take photos with the kids, much to their delight. The Canadian Armed Forces welcomed visitors, offering them the chance to try on and get a close look at their equipment. The younger set loved getting their photos taken with the soldiers!
While the Armoury’s Parade floor is bordered by amazing military displays, guests were also given the opportunity to take tours through the messes and the museum with Lt-Col Roderick Bell-Irving and James Calhoun, Seaforth Museum Curator.
“I had no idea this was here,” said one guest, referring to the historical displays throughout the building. “What a treasure.” That sentiment was echoed throughout the day and volunteers remarked that so many people were in awe of the rich history of the building.
Approximately 1600 volunteers will help to run the Games in 2025. Pre-Games volunteers are also critical to the overall success, and several were on hand to help at Seaforth, including Shawna who said,
“Being a part of this day was just amazing. From meeting the other volunteers, trying new activities, and also meeting the Invictus [Games Vancouver Whistler 2025] staff, one thing was evident throughout the day: the passion that was shared by everyone was invigorating and I can’t wait to continue to be a part of this amazing team and event in the future. I had such a great day.”
The Invictus Games 2025 trivia wheel sparked a deeper understanding of the first-ever Winter hybrid Games with community members playing to win take-home prizes like postcards, bookmarks, and the coveted yellow cowbells. Over the course of the day roughly 2,200 prizes were given away!
We are so grateful to BC Wheelchair Basketball Society, Rowing BC, Volleyball BC, and Curl BC for their support and awesome activations. They each brought some talented coaches and athletes to showcase their sport and to encourage public participation. And huge thanks to all the Invictus Games 2025 staff and volunteers who made this event come to life. Finally, our special thanks to the Seaforth Highlanders who offered their building, expertise, and volunteers to make this a day to remember.
It was fantastic to see so many amazing community members experiencing the unrivaled power of sport through the Unconquered Sports Day. If you’d like to stay up to date on our news and other announcements, please sign up for our newsletter and follow us on our social media channels to get all the latest updates!
(Photos by volunteer Jon Suk)
