Invictus Games headed for Disney
The Invictus Games have released the schedule for the woundedwarrior athletic events to be held May 8-12 at ESPN’s Wide World of Sport. More than 500 former soldiers from 15 nations are expected for the competitions that were first held in Great Britain in 2014 and for which Britain’s Prince Harry, near right, is a big proponent.
The Invictus Games Organizing Committee on Thursday announced the schedule of competition for the wounded-warrior athletic event, which will be held in May at Walt Disney World.
An international spotlight will shine on Orlando for five days, May 8-12, during competitions at ESPN’s Wide World of Sport. More than 500 former soldiers from 15 nations are expected to compete in the event, which was first held in Great Britain in 2014.
“The 2014 Games were just the beginning of the Invictus story,” said Britain’s Prince Harry, who is one of the driving forces behind the event. “The competitors showed grit, determination and humor: an absolute refusal to be beaten or be defined by their injuries — the Invictus spirit was born. I can’t wait to see the American public supporting these inspirational men and women at the next games.”
The sports festival kicks off on May 8 with track and field heats, sitting volleyball pool play, archery prelims and the Opening Ceremony.
Over the subsequent four days, competitors will be vying for medals in events including cycling, indoor rowing, power lifting, swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis.
The first medals of the Games will be presented on Monday, May 9, in cycling.
The final events will be on Thursday, May 12, when the gold and bronze medal games in wheelchair basketball take place, followed that night by the Closing Ceremony.
The full schedule of competition can be found online at invictusgames2016.org.