In a moving speech to a crowd in the thousands, which included the likes of Michelle Obama, George W. Bush and Morgan Freeman, Prince Harry officially opened the Invictus Games in Orlando yesterday.
Let the games begin!
No, we’re not talking about the Olympic or Commonwealth Games here.
We’re talking about the Invictus Games – an international sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick service military personnel from around the world.
The Paralympic-style multi-sport event for ex-soldiers is the invention of Prince Harry – himself a former soldier – and the event is intended to inspire and promote awareness of the struggles soldiers go through upon coming back home after serving in military conflict around the world – such as in Iraq and Afghanistan.
And we’re not just referring to physical challenges and struggles.
Prince Harry also wanted to shed light on the mental health struggles returning soldiers face after serving for their countries.
“It is not just physical injuries that our Invictus competitors have overcome. Every single one of them has faced mental challenges… Let’s cheer for the woman who fought through post-traumatic stress and lets celebrate the soldier who was brave enough to get help with his depression.”
Prince Harry.
Prince Harry is the patron of the event and the president of the organising committee.
Nearly 500 athletes from 14 different countries (including Australia: Aussie Aussie Aussie – Oi Oi Oi!) will take part in the Invictus Games, which will be held over a four-day period, and the games are expected to draw thousands of spectators from all over the USA and the world to Orlando, Florida.
“It’s going to be amazing, the atmosphere is going to be incredible. There’s still a few more tickets to sell but we’re just inviting people to come down and enjoy what’s going to happen, it’s going to be fantastic.”
Prince Harry.
The games are also drumming up some pretty intense rivalry between competing nations, and not even the Queen herself or President Obama can resist the desire to come out on top!
Don’t believe me? Then check out this clip!
Old rivalries die hard indeed.
Also at the ceremony was singer James Blunt and soprano Laura Wright, who both had the crowd on their feet with stunning performances.
This year’s event is taking place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World (which is where a lucky bunch of Travel Counsellors recently checked out on an epic famil) in Florida.
Florida is a favourite USA destination for millions of overseas and domestic travellers, with its intoxicating mix of sun, culture and beautiful people continually putting smiles on faces.
