The Invictus Games The Hague 2020 has been postponed until May or June 2021, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Board of the Invictus Games and the Invictus Games Foundation have come to the decision that the Games can no longer take place from 9 to 16 May as originally planned.
The statement reads:
We are now investigating all options to reschedule the Invictus Games, subject to the availability of key facilities and resources, to May or June 2021. Significant planning to scope and confirm this option is underway.
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.
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. As a result, the organisation of the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 has become impossible.
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.
The current situation is complex and evolving rapidly. 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.
Invictus Games Foundation Patron, the Duke of Sussex, reassures all the competitors that he recognises their disappointment, but that the best outcome has been achieved amidst a complicated international situation.
The Invictus Games Foundation said on Facebook, ‘We are all extremely saddened that the 5th edition of the Invictus Games can no longer take place in May 2020, but we know the wait until next year will be worth it. Continue to support each other all over the world, keep the Invictus spirit alive and stay safe everyone.’
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