INVICTUS Games postponed

The Invictus Games The Hague 2020 will not take place as planned from 9 to 16 May 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

FILE PHOTO (6 March 2020): Australian Invictus Games Wheelchair sports coach Navy Warrant Officer Andrew Bertoncin speaks with the Wheelchair Basketball team during a training session in Townsville. Photo by Leading Seaman Jason Tufrey.

Organisers are now investigating options to reschedule the Invictus Games, subject to the availability of key facilities and resources, to May or June 2021.

In a statement, organisers said this decision was taken in consultation with the participating nations’ teams and in close coordination with local and national authorities to limit the impact of the pandemic on all parties involved in the delivery of, and particularly participation in, the games.

“The decision was also taken in recognition of the anticipated strain on medical staff and the infrastructure required in dealing with the pandemic.

“We did not wish to add to the complexity of the response, or increase the risk to those involved, by bringing together an international and potentially vulnerable audience.”

The statement went on to explain that organisation of the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 had become impossible.

“All parties involved in organising and participating in the Invictus Games The Hague 2020, including the competitors and their loved ones, the volunteers, the organisers, partners, sponsors, and its suppliers, are all facing the current impact of the pandemic.

“Competitors from the 20 nations involved have been hard at work training for these Invictus Games as part of their recovery process.

“However, the safety and wellbeing of these wounded, injured or sick servicemen and women, and their friends and family, is paramount.

“We know that not holding the Invictus Games this May will be disappointing news to the whole Invictus Family, and to all of those involved in the planning and delivery of the games.

“We are very appreciative of the continued support of those who have been and continue to be involved in the Invictus Games The Hague 2020, and we remain committed to the recovery of wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women.

“Work is now being undertaken with the teams, partners, and suppliers with a view to delivering a successful Invictus Games in 2021.

“Tickets will be refunded, and ticket holders will be contacted in due course.”

They said further statements would be released when more details could be confirmed.

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