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to realise these challenges if one isn’t affected by such things personally. But it's important we do put this on the radar. Bringing the Games to the Netherlands has sparked a conversation that has larger implications than just this event and shows that entrepreneurship or organising sport events can do more on a global scale to raise important topics and therefore positively influencing the lives of differently abled people across the globe.

Since sustainability for these Games in these challenging times was non-negotiable, collaborating with partners to support “green Games” was successful by installing plug sockets that are relying on green energy. Furthermore, there was no use of single-use plastic cups and circular water and waste management applied during the Games. Luckily, the organisation was very resolute and had very skilled partners to jointly solve these challenges. From branding to security to coordination to water to sound and lights, there was really a partner to be found for all of it in our local market supporting this global event. The Netherlands is an experienced party in the event industry and is able to deliver upon high standard promises. Moving away from the operation and speaking of legacy around this event. It’s crucial that we created safe spaces for military service personnel to have conversations in a noncombat or non-training setting. Often you hear from people in the armed services that they feel most understood by others who have also served. It’s not just the competitors but everyone who were in one way, or another involved in these Games that benefitted from this. Bringing people together in an event like this allows a non-formal interaction that sparks conversations and friendships that last a lifetime. It allows families to connect and share experiences and information that helps them aid their loved one in the rehabilitation process. The Invictus Games is an inspiring event, showing the power of humankind, resilience and perseverance. It has been a leading example to inspire the Dutch population as well as a global community. And on a practical level, it was important to the Invictus foundation that the Dutch iteration of the Games did set a blueprint for the future. To ensure the continuation of these games, it was shown how an impactful event like this, can be run in a smaller country: in a cost-effective way, relying on collaboration. Through creative partnerships we built hardware and software solutions that will be used in subsequent additions of the Games. As for facilities, the changes that were made to improve accessibility and sustainable energy solution in the Zuiderpark will stay for future use of events. And beyond that in collaboration with the Cruyff Foundation adaptive sports facilities were brought to the local neighbourhoods in The Hague where residents will have sports facilities and a base to create local communities.

To summarize, through Dutch entrepreneurship and stewardship, it shows that local brave initiatives can be bold and successful. If one has the courage to step up and try it, making a difference can be done. We should value the entrepreneurial spirits we have in the Netherlands. They are the thought-leaders we need to solve global challenges together.

Photograph: © Getty Images for Invictus Games The Hague  