The Invictus games is an international Paralympic style, multi-sport event, created by Prince Harry of Wales, in which permanently wounded or injured ex military service men and women compete in a multitude of sports.
The word “Invictus” translates from Latin to “unconquered” and is used to portray the fighting spirit of the competitors who have witnessed the full horrors of war and suffered life changing injuries both physically and mentally. The games harness the power of sport in order to inspire the recovery of other injured military personal, those with disabilities, support rehabilitation and in order to generate a greater understanding and respect for those who serve/served their country.
“These games have shone a spotlight on the ‘unconquerable’ character of service men and women and their ‘Invictus’ spirit. These games have been about seeing guys sprinting for the finish line and then turning round to clap the last man in. They have been about teammates choosing to cross the line together, not wanting to come second, but not wanting the other guys to either. These games have shown the very best of the human spirit” – Prince Harry
The Invictus games began in London 2014, two years on from London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games and brought together 400 competitors from 13 nations across the world. It took place across 4 days and included 9 events throughout 5 venues.
Two years on the second Invictus games took places at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, part of the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida on the 8th of may till the 12th. The iconic complex witnessed over 500 competitors from 14 nations compete in 10 sports during four days of intense sporting action. Tens of thousands cheered on the competitors who had travelled from across the globe to showcase their talent and Invictus spirit
“Time and time again, competitors from around the world tell me sport has saved them; that the Invictus games have given them a new lease on life; and that to represent their country again with fellow comrades is something they could only have dreamt of while lying in hospital.” – Prince Harry
Now in 2017, the Invictus games will take place in Toronto, Canada and was organised by the Invictus games committee which was established in order to build upon the success of the London 2014 and Orlando 2016 games. The games begin on the 23rd of September and will see two new competitors, Ukraine and Romania, who will take part in their first ever Invictus games. The 2017 games will also see golf included to the list of sporting events which include archery, athletics, indoor rowing, powerlifting, road cycling, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis. The games will span across seven days and will finally come to an end on the 30th of September, so remember to tune in and witness the great sporting successes of those who have defied the odds and overcome their challenges to showcase their talents to the world and their Invictus spirit.
