The 2025 Invictus Games took place in Vancouver/Whistler this past February and Dr. Strudwick was very happy and honoured to be chosen as part of the core medical team to be part of it all.
The Invictus Games are the brainchild of Prince Harry the Duke of Sussex, who started them in 2014 as a means for military veterans to participate in, and assist them in their recovery from their wound, injury, or sickness that they incurred during their service. In Canada, roughly 800 veterans apply for the opportunity to particiapte in the games, but the team only allows for 40 members. Participants are not necessarily chosen based upon athletic ability, but rather how likely they are to succeed in the Invictus program and benefit from the games in their rehabilitative experience. These most recent games were the first to incorporate winter sports, while standards such as wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball, various swim events and erg rowing continued to be part of the program.
Medical care for the athletes involved 3 Polyclinics: 2 in Vancouver and 1 in Whistler that had a full team of physicians, chiropractors, physiotherapists, massage therapists, psychologists, and nurses. The athletes had top-notch care for any issue or complaint they may have had. At the various venues there were also physicians, first aid responders and psychologists as well to be found. There was always a counsellor/psychologist on hand as well who had a therapy dog available as they can be very effective in helping those who deal with PTSD.
Since these games serve a unique population – wounded, injured or sick veterans – it made for seeing folks with vaious physical disabilites that one doesn’t see on a regular basis in practice. To hear their stories of what they had gone through and how they were injured could be quite humbling and made me realize how fortunate I am to not have any of those issues. At the same time, however, they were all dealing with their issues commendably and bravely carrying-on.
Participating in the Invictus Games was a memorable experience – not only for helping those in need, but also the camaraderie: meeting other healthcare professionals from around the country, not just talking shop, but getting to know them a little over the duration of the games and making new friends. To learn more about the Invictus Games click here https://invictusgames2025.ca/
Dr. Mark Strudwick is a third generation chiropractor in Victoria, B.C.
