Prince Harry’s history with Invictus Games explored

The imminent return of the Invictus Games is a notable event on the horizon. This international multi-sport competition holds a significant history, particularly due to Prince Harry’s deep involvement, and the upcoming edition’s venue.

The Invictus Games stand as a symbol of resilience, employing competitive adaptive sports to facilitate the recovery of wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans worldwide. Encompassing a span of approximately one week, the Games cater to about 550 competitors, highlighting nine core sports, and a possibility for supplementary activities, even extending to esports. Wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby, and indoor rowing form a constellation of sporting events in these Games.

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As the calendar turns to 2023, 21 nations, including Israel, Colombia, and Nigeria, are gearing up to partake in the tournament. A striking feature of this edition will be Rita Ora’s performance at the closing ceremony, adding a musical note to the competitive fervor.

The origins of the Invictus Games trace back to Prince Harry, who was moved to create this platform after his visit to the US Warrior Games in 2013. Prince Harry articulated, “I have witnessed first-hand how the power of sport can positively impact the lives of wounded, injured, and sick Servicemen and women in their journey of recovery. I am extremely proud that we are bringing an event like this to the UK for the first time and believe it can have a long-lasting impact on the well-being of those who have served their nations so bravely.”

The Invictus Games 2023 will etch its name in history as it unfolds in Düsseldorf, Germany. The event is scheduled to commence on Saturday, September 9, marked by an exhilarating opening ceremony at the Merkur Spiel-Arena. The ensuing week promises riveting sports action, with the grand finale set for Saturday, September 16. Düsseldorf, along with the German Armed Forces, is poised to welcome approximately 500 competitors from 21 nations, along with their families and friends, all vying across ten disciplines.

The event’s significance is heightened by the fact that it marks the sixth edition, following the legacy of London 2014, Orlando 2016, Toronto 2017, Sydney 2018, and the Netherlands 2022.