Minister pledges continued veterans support as Northern Ireland competitors prepare for Invictus Games
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured with (left to right) veteran Danny Shanahan; Chief Executive of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council David Burns; Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood; Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner David Johnstone; Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh Brian Higginson; veteran Jonny Ball; Lisburn and Castlreagh councillor James Tinsley; and veteran Stuart Ball.
Saturday 03 October 2026
Northern Ireland competitors preparing to take part in the Invictus Games have been recognised at a special event in Lisburn, as the Games prepare to return to the UK next year.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons joined veterans and their families at the Road to Invictus event, recognising competitors from Northern Ireland who will head to Birmingham in 2027.
The Games will return to the UK for the first time since the inaugural event was held in London in 2014.
Support for veterans
Mr Lyons said the Invictus Games were hugely significant for the veterans community and reaffirmed his commitment to improving support for serving personnel, veterans and their families.
“The Invictus Games are hugely significant for the veterans community and I was pleased to attend this event to show my support.
“Since taking up office, I have been focused on improving support for veterans – for those currently serving in the armed forces, for those who have left active service, and their families.
“While we can never truly repay the sacrifice they have shown, I can, for my part, work to ensure that veterans’ needs are met with the right support delivered in the right way at the right time.”
Mr Lyons said the Veterans Support Line NI, which he launched earlier this year, provides a dedicated and confidential point of contact to help veterans and their families access benefits, housing support and other services.
“My Department is also strengthening support for veterans through improved access to services, enhanced staff training and closer engagement with veterans’ organisations to ensure that those who have served our country face no disadvantage when accessing public services.”
Invictus about more than sport
Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner David Johnstone joined the Minister at the event and highlighted the role of Invictus in recovery and rehabilitation following injury or illness.
“Invictus is about much more than sport. It is about the extraordinary resilience of those who have experienced injury or illness as a consequence of, or during, their service, and the determination, courage and rehabilitation that can follow.
Mr Johnstone also pointed to the Armed Forces Covenant motion at Stormont and work by the Department for Communities to address barriers to support.
“As we look towards Birmingham 2027, we should also recognise the progress being made here at home. The Armed Forces Covenant motion at Stormont and the work of the Department for Communities to break down barriers to support are important steps towards ensuring our veterans feel recognised, included and able to seek the help they need.”
Road to Birmingham 2027
The event also heard from special guest speaker Johnny Ball, an Invictus Games Foundation team member, former Invictus competitor and host of the ‘Veterans in Politics’ podcast.
The Invictus Games were first held in London in September 2014, bringing together more than 400 wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans from 13 nations.
Since then, Invictus has grown into an international movement using sport to support recovery, rehabilitation and a renewed sense of purpose for wounded, injured and sick serving personnel and veterans.
Veterans and their families in Northern Ireland seeking help can contact the Veterans Support Line NI on 0800 158 5556 or text ADVICE to 07860 042576. Further information is available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/veterans-support-line-ni.
