Extending its steadfast support for the Games, taking place in the brand’s UK heartland, Defender will provide volunteers to help at the Games and will also be Presenting Partner of Wheelchair Rugby.

JLR and its Defender brand have supported the international event for wounded, injured and sick (WIS) service personnel and veterans since it began in 2014. Next year, up to 550 competitors from 26 countries will compete in a range of adaptive sports at the National Exhibition Centre and Sandwell Aquatics Centre, situated in the British Midlands, where the legendary 4×4 is designed and engineered by a dedicated team that includes veterans.

The bond between Defender and those who have served their country is strong. Since 2014, JLR has employed more than 1,600 people globally with previous service in the British Armed Forces and other international military organisations.

Sport defined by strength teamwork and resilience

As a signatory of the UK Armed Forces Covenant, the business creates employment pathways for service leavers, provides flexible support for spouses during and after their partners’ deployment and helps colleagues who serve with reserve forces.

Defender’s support for Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 extends to Presenting Partner for the Wheelchair Rugby competition. A sport defined by strength, teamwork and resilience, Wheelchair Rugby reflects the qualities embodied by the WIS community and celebrated by Defender through its longstanding commitment to rugby at all levels.

Lennard Hoornik, Chief Growth Officer, JLR, said: “Defender is all about embracing the impossible and that is exactly what the competitors at Birmingham 2027 will be doing. This shared value of taking on difficult challenges and never giving up is why we have supported the Invictus Movement for more than a decade.

Chris Conneally Managing Director Invictus Games Birmingham 2027

Seeing the competitors at the Invictus Games back here in the UK, so close to the home of Defender, will be truly inspirational. We wish everyone the best of luck for the next 12 months as they get ready for the games.

Chris Conneally, Managing Director, Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, said: “Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 are delighted to welcome Defender as our Official Automotive Partner and Presenting Partner of Wheelchair Rugby. Defender’s commitment to the Armed Forces community and the Invictus Movement is deep and longstanding, and we look forward to continuing that relationship.

Defender is synonymous with Birmingham and the West Midlands and that makes this a natural and exciting partnership. We’re also excited to share their support for our passionate volunteering community as part of this announcement. Defender volunteers will join forces with our Invictus Games volunteer team and together they’ll play a vital role delivering a fantastic Games experience for competitors, their families and the wider West Midlands community.