His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex today (29 October) launched the British team of injured and wounded military veterans set to compete in next year’s Invictus Games.
An international adaptive multi-sport event, created by Prince Harry, the Invictus Games was initially launched in 2014 and the Paralympic style Games has become a great success for disabled, injured and sick veterans across the world.
2020
Launching Team UK for the 2020 Invictus Games – taking place in The Hauge, Netherlands – Prince Harry met with the 65 men and women set to represent Great Britain during the Games.
RAF veteran, Rachel Williams is not only preparing to compete in the Games, but was announced as the first female captain of the team. Rachel is living with a neurological condition which has left her without the use of an arm.
PRIDE
Of the event, one veteran also described the Invictus Games as “an amazing opportunity through sport to regain that sense of pride which can be lost following the onset of mental or physical disabilities.”
And the Duke of Sussex agrees. During the launch, Prince Harry was quoted as saying: “This is an opportunity for you guys to be serving your country again.
“It’s a really important point to know as well, never underestimate the impact you guys are having on everybody else.”
Team UK will join over 500 competitors from 19 countries and take part in 10 adaptive sports in the Netherlands. It is showcasing not only adaptive sport, but the possibilities present for people living with a disability.
Now in its fifth year, Prince Harry has credited the Invictus Games for changing society’s perceptions of disability and mental health.
The 2020 Invictus Games are will happen in The Hauge from 9 to 16 May, with news that future Games will take place every two years.
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