Invictus Games athletes take in the falls
As Romania’s Doru Hamza stepped off the Via Rail train in Niagara Falls Wednesday, it felt like “fate” he was here.
Before he was an athlete with the Invictus Games, he was a sergeant with his country’s 300th Infantry Battalion. In 2008, while patrolling the Qalet-Kandahar highway in Afghanistan, his vehicle crossed over an improvised explosive device. His injuries required surgery, performed by a Canadian doctor.
“He treated me very well,” he said. “I’m grateful to him and the entire medical staff from Canada.” Hamza is now one of 550 competitors from 17 nations taking part in the third annual Invictus Games, created by Prince Harry two years ago as a sporting event for the wounded or ill serving members of the military along with veterans. The first Games were held in London, England, and last year’s took place at Disney World in Orlando, Fla.
The Toronto Games run until Saturday.
Having already competed in 400-metre and 1,500-metre track (for which he placed 7th), Hamza was looking forward to some vacation time with his wife in Niagara Falls for the first time.
He and the other athletes were greeted by dignitaries, firefighters and police officers as they exited the train from Toronto just before 11 a.m.
“I have goosebumps,” he said. Shortly after arrival, athletes boarded WE GO buses for Table Rock. For many, it was their first glimpse of Niagara Falls up close.
Chris Rapson of Australia, who has won two silver medals and one bronze this week in track, wanted to “hopefully get on one of the boats” by the falls.
Niagara Parks Commission chairwoman Janice Thomson said all athletes and their families received discounts on all Parks attractions if they chose.
“When we see people and their first view of the falls, it’s always incredible,” she said.
The visit was arranged by Niagara tourism partners.
Anthony Annunziata, executive director of the Tourism Partnership of Niagara, said the Falls visit was a “special moment” during what has already been a profound week for the athletes.
“It’s great that we’re able to share that with the athletes,” he said, adding there was a waiting list hoping to attend the trip. “There’s a lot of people that wanted to come down, from around the world.”
About 500 athletes and family members took part.
Annunziata has been watching the Toronto Games and found the athletes’ “great spirit” inspiring.
“Some of the things we get tired of on a day-to-day basis, these athletes lift us above that,” he said.
Mayor Jim Diodati greeted each visitor as they boarded buses, posing for dozens of photos with the athletes.
“I’m honoured,” he said. “Their energy and excitement is effervescent. It’s overwhelming. Everyone I talked to are here for the first time, and they are like kids on Christmas Eve.”
Niagara Falls resident Wendy Abraham greeted the athletes with a Canadian flag. With her son Richard stationed at Cold Lake, Alta., the Invictus Games have been an emotional watch all week.
“I think what Prince Harry did was amazing,” she said. “I almost lost it when they pulled up (today).”