The Invictus Germany Sports Festival 2026 continues the legacy of the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023. From 12 to 14 June 2026, veterans, deployed soldiers, their families and international guests will meet at Castello Düsseldorf to compete in four sports and experience community. 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 visibly place veterans at the centre of society and build bridges between the Bundeswehr, civil society and international partners. The 2026 festival thus sends a strong signal for respect, cohesion and sustainable responsibility.
ACCOMPANYING SYMPOSIUM
The Invictus Germany Sports Festival 2026 will kick off with a medical-scientific symposium on the topic of “Rehabilitation and Inclusion.” The symposium will take place on June 12 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and June 13, 2026 (8:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.) at CASTELLO Düsseldorf. The symposium brings together political and military decision-makers, medical professionals, scientists, and representatives from the church and civil society for an interdisciplinary exchange. A participation fee of 20 euros will be charged for attendance at the symposium. Please pay this fee on-site on the day of the event. Attendance at the sports festival is free of charge.
The Program:
Friday, June 12, 2026
Until 10:00 a.m.: Arrival & registration of participants
10:00 – 10:50 a.m.: Opening, welcome, & thematic introduction to the symposium
10:50 – 12:20 p.m.: Specialized lecture “Rehabilitation in War,” including discussion
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.: Presentations on civil-military cooperation & healthcare
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.: Case study, panel discussion & closing remarks
Saturday, June 13, 2026
until 8:45 a.m.: Arrival of participants
8:45 – 8:50 a.m.: Introduction & introduction of panel guests
8:50 – 10:00 a.m.: Panel discussion on rehabilitation & inclusion
10:00 – 10:15 a.m.: Summary & closing remarks
The complete program overview is available here: Symposium Program
Date & Location: June 12–14, 2026, CASTELLO Düsseldorf
Times (Sports Festival): Sat., June 13: 10:20 a.m. (Opening Ceremony); 11 a.m.–7 p.m. & Sun., June 14: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sports: Indoor Rowing (Saturday only), Sitting Volleyball (Saturday & Sunday), Spinning (Sunday only), Table Tennis (Saturday & Sunday)
Participation: Participants from Germany and other Invictus Community nations, first responders, veterans, and their families are invited.
Public Participation: Spectators are welcome; the Invictus Germany Sports Festival is open to the public; awards ceremonies and meet-and-greets round out the festival.
The Invictus Germany Sports Festival 2026 will be more than just a sporting event: it embodies a movement that has grown out of gratitude, respect and solidarity. It signals that the legacy of the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 lives on. It helps to anchor veterans and those injured in service not only in special circles, but in the consciousness of society as a whole. Furthermore, it lays the foundation for future events where sport, inclusion, rehabilitation and public awareness go hand in hand. A movement where every step counts – for the participation of all, for shared hope, for respect in action.
Raising the profile of veterans and wounded service personnel: Once again, the festival aims to ensure that former soldiers and wounded service personnel are not just participants, but are brought into the public eye – with their stories, achievements and needs. Social recognition and respect are the focus.
Rehabilitation and participation through sport: Sport is used as a means of physical and psychological rehabilitation. Competitions and exchange programmes enable participants to train their skills, strengthen their self-confidence and gain new impetus for recovery and resilience. The face of sport should be inclusive and accessible.
Continuity & sustainable legacy: The 2024 festivals and the 2025 awards have set the stage. In 2026, the movement is to be further consolidated: regular formats, clearly defined structures and cooperation with institutions (e.g. the British Armed Forces, emergency services, health and rehabilitation facilities) strengthen the network.
Experience international exchange and community: As with the first festival in 2024, participants from several nations are expected to attend. The international character promotes understanding across national borders and underlines shared values: camaraderie, courage and solidarity.
Focus on four sports: As in 2024, four sports will be the focus in 2026. This selection allows us to concentrate on quality, organise logistics efficiently and, at the same time, offer a variety of events that take different physical abilities into account.
Contributing to social awareness: The festival not only offers competitions, but also accompanying programmes such as panels, lectures and information stands on topics such as inclusion, mental health, rehabilitation after service injuries and reintegration. The aim is to break down prejudices and raise public awareness that veterans are part of the mainstream of society.
Enabling engagement and participation: Not only athletes, but also relatives, helpers, blue-light organisations and supporters should be actively involved, e.g. through visiting opportunities, honorary positions, workshops or support services. This creates community on many levels.
- Düsseldorf is synonymous with a zest for life, cosmopolitanism, and dynamism, making it the perfect setting for the Invictus Germany Sports Festival. As the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia and an international hub for business and culture, the city uniquely combines international diversity, a high quality of life, and a passion for sports. The Rhineland spirit fosters a sense of community that is open, tolerant, and warm.
- Located in the heart of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, Düsseldorf is a major international hub and a city where everything is within easy reach. Attractions, sports venues, hotels, and event venues are all close together and easily accessible.
- The city’s identity is shaped by its passion for sports, the openness of its urban community, and its clear commitment to participation, integration, and equality. Düsseldorf is a place that brings people, cultures, and ideas together; as a host city, it not only offers the necessary infrastructure but, above all, an environment where respect, solidarity, and interaction are put into practice.
With its modern, accessible infrastructure, CASTELLO Düsseldorf offers the ideal setting for the 2026 Invictus Germany Sports Festival. The multifunctional event arena provides flexible spaces for sports and events, short distances, and close proximity between athletes, families, and spectators. With its professional technical equipment, excellent accessibility, and the ability to bring competitions, social gatherings, and supporting events together under one roof, the venue creates optimal conditions for an inclusive and community-oriented sports festival in the spirit of the Invictus movement.