Harry’s tribute to heroes
PRINCE Harry glowed with pride as he brought the showpiece Invictus Games to a close with a tribute to the heroes who took part.
The fun-loving royal showed his serious side with a passionate speech, speaking of how the tournament had “moved, inspired and entertained”.
At the closing ceremony he said he felt privileged to have spent the last four days “watching lives change in front of you”.
The Prince, who has been the driving force behind the Paralympic-style games for injured military veterans, had to concede defeat to the US in the medals table.
Amazing
But the 31-year-old former Army officer, said: “This has never been about the medals as you know.
“This is about bringing amazing people together, sharing experiences and literally watching lives change in front of you in this arena, outside in the pool, wherever it is.
“And you’ve witnessed it and we’re the lucky ones to have witnessed it together.”
Closing the games on Thursday, held at the Champion Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Harry said: “What a ride the last four days has been. I said you would be moved, inspired and entertained. Was I right?”
He told the cheering participants and spectators: “You are all Invictus. You are now ambassadors for the spirit of these games. Spread the word. Never stop fighting, do all you can to lift everyone up around you.” During the event, millions of TV viewers witnessed intense competition between veterans who have overcome serious injury. Among the stars were Sergeant Elizabeth Marks, a US combat medic who suffered a serious hip injury which left her with no feeling in her left leg.
The 25-year-old swimmer donated her four medals to Papworth Hospital, Cambs, where doctors saved her life after she suffered a lung infection.
When Harry presented her with a medal, she gave it back saying it