Daejeon's deputy mayor to deliver final pitch in London as host-city decision looms
Daejeon has launched its final bid to host the 2029 Invictus Games, joining forces with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and the Korea Disabled Veterans Organization in a unified push.
The city announced Monday that Deputy Mayor for Administration Yu Deuk-won is traveling to London with Patriots and Veterans Minister Kwon O-eul and representatives of the Korea Disabled Veterans Organization from Sunday through Thursday to deliver the final presentation for the 2029 Invictus Games Daejeon bid.
The visit marks the last opportunity to make the city's case before a host-city decision is made. Daejeon is competing against Aalborg, Denmark, and San Diego as one of three finalist cities.
Daejeon has pursued the bid in stages alongside the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and the Korea Disabled Veterans Organization, completing steps that included launching a bid committee, submitting a letter of intent, securing approval from the Ministry of Economy and Finance for the international event designation, submitting an English-language bid plan, and responding to an on-site inspection by the Invictus Games Foundation.
On Monday, the delegation paid their respects at the Korean War Memorial in London, visited Korean War veterans at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, and held a rehearsal for the presentation. The formal final presentation is scheduled for Tuesday at the Honourable Artillery Company's Armoury House, before the Invictus Games Foundation's evaluation panel.
Each country's presentation runs 90 minutes. The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs will outline the government's commitment to hosting the event and its policy support plans, while Daejeon will highlight its strengths as a leading veterans city and science capital and present its operational blueprint. The Korea Disabled Veterans Organization will convey the support and participation of the wounded veterans community, underscoring why Daejeon and South Korea are the right choice.
Daejeon will particularly emphasize its vision for realizing the Games' core values of memory, respect, recovery and solidarity, drawing on assets that include the Daejeon National Cemetery, Daejeon Veterans Hospital, the Daedeok Research and Development Special Zone, and the Daejeon Convention Center, along with strong transport and convention infrastructure. The city will also present an efficient and feasible hosting model that integrates existing sports facilities with urban spaces, alongside an athlete-centered operational plan.
During the Invictus Games Foundation's on-site inspection in February, evaluators responded positively to Daejeon's proposed venue cluster, the readiness of key facilities including Daejeon Dream Arena and Daejeon Yongun International Aquatics Center, and a plan to hold cycling events at the Daejeon National Cemetery. The city has since incorporated the inspection team's feedback on transportation, wayfinding and accommodation into its final bid plan, further refining the operational details.
If selected as the host city, Daejeon would stage a 10-day international sports festival for wounded military veterans from Oct. 6 to Oct. 15, 2029, drawing roughly 3,000 athletes from 25 countries. The Games would feature 12 sports, including athletics, archery, cycling and esports. A decision on the host city is expected in July.
"This final presentation is more than a bid for an international event — it is a chance to show the world how South Korea and Daejeon will support the recovery and second chances of those who dedicated themselves to their country," Yu said. "Together with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and the Korea Disabled Veterans Organization, we will go to the very end as one team, conveying Daejeon's readiness and South Korea's sincere commitment to honoring its veterans."
kwonhl@heraldcorp.com
