ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
Teamwork, courage and determination on show at the Invictus Games
On 23 September, Prince Harry welcomed 550 athletes from 17 different countries to the Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada.
Founded in 2014 by the prince, the Invictus Games gives wounded war veterans the opportunity to compete in 12 sports including athletics, powerlifting, wheelchair basketball and swimming. The eight days of events encourage those who have fought for their countries to take pride in their achievements.
During the opening ceremony, Prince Harry made an emotional speech about the determination and courage of the competitors. “I hope you are ready to see courage and determination that will inspire you to power through the challenges in your own life,” he said.
The opening ceremony also included performances by lots of Canadian singers and dancers, in addition to a speech by the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
One of the competitors was former UK army major Bernie Broad, who served in the Grenadier Guards for 30 years. Major Broad lost both of his legs due to injuries. He competed in golf, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby.
Prince Harry, who served in the military between 2005 and 2015, decided to create the games after being inspired by a similar event in the US in 2013. “These games show the very best of the human spirit,” he said. The games were due to end on 30 September.