Military, Sport and Society: The Invictus Games 2023 in Germany

Martin Elbe

doi:10.31374/sjms.387

Military, Sport and Society: The Invictus Games 2023 in Germany

Scandinavian Journal of Military Studies

Volume 8 (2025): Issue 1

By: Martin Elbe

Open Access

|Nov 2025

Abstract

From 9 to 16 September 2023, the 6^th Invictus Games for active and former soldiers with physical and mental disabilities took place in Düsseldorf as a major international sporting event. This article examines on the basis of two quantitative studies the contribution of the Invictus Games to the integration of civil-military relations. To this end, the general perception of the Invictus Games in society as well as inclusion effects in volunteer work at the Games are examined. It can be said that the Bundeswehr is valued in society just as its veterans. Sport is perceived as a natural aspect of the military and the Invictus Games are seen as an important contribution to increasing inclusion both in society and among the volunteers of the Games.

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