The yellow respect sash: a symbol of unity at the Invictus Games

The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 was a resounding success, bringing together 550 competitors from 23 nations, including Team Canada, in February for a week of sporting events.  

As the Official Bank of the Canadian Defence Community and Gold Partner of the Games, BMO was proud to celebrate the wounded, injured and sick service members and Veterans who competed in the games as part of their recovery journey. Vancouver Whistler 2025 was the first to feature winter adaptive sports, including alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, skeleton and wheelchair curling. 

All of Canada on the sidelines 

BMO’s presence was loud and proud at the Invictus Games, and the message was clear: All of Canada on the sidelines. We rallied Canadians to support competitors from all around the world and created a memorable experience for visitors to the Invictus Village at the Vancouver Convention Centre. 

Signage at BMO branches near Invictus Games venues welcomed competitors and cheered them on.

BMO Bear made himself at home at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Team BMO welcomed visitors at Invictus Village and collected handwritten messages of gratitude on yellow sashes to gift to competitors.

Collectible keepsakes given out to booth visitors included co-branded pennants and limited-edition pins.

Initiative of courage: yellow respect sash 

BMO gifted the 550 Invictus Games competitors hand-signed yellow sashes as a symbol of respect for their service and sacrifice, a project that was supported by employees, customers and community members at more than 100 branches. The signed sashes were individually packaged with a letter from BMO and delivered through hotel drops to each competitor’s room. Check out how the yellow sashes were received by service members and Veterans from across the globe:

A front-row seat to resilience 

BMO also provided 150 tickets to the Invictus Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies to Canadian Armed Forces members to ensure they could take part in these moments of pride, celebration and community. The Closing Ceremony capped off a week of incredible achievements – and several competitors could be seen wearing their yellow sashes on the arena floor as Vancouver handed over the Invictus flag to representatives from the United Kingdom for the 2027 Birmingham Invictus Games. 

Learn more about Canadian Defence Community Banking and how BMO is here to help Canadian Defence Community customers make real financial progress.