In an atmosphere where support and friendship come before the competition, the Invictus Games brings the team spirit out of all the different countries all “under the same flag”- the Invictus Flag.
A giant party in the Qudos Bank Arena sold out the 21,000 person capacity.
Starting with performances by Colin Hay and Birds of Tokyo, the entire arena was on their feet dancing.
“You have made three wise decisions in your life,” said David Hurley, Governor of New South Wales.
“First your decision to marry Her Royal Highness.
“Secondly to bring the Invictus Games to Sydney.
“Thirdly to start the Invictus Games for injured service men and women.”
The Duchess of Sussex impressed the crowd with her speech dedicated to family and friends: “On a personal note I just wanted to thank all of you for welcoming me into the Invictus family.”
Adding of seeing the “most amazing support networks that surround competitors, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting several of these family and friends.”
The support system on the ground here at Invictus is something unlike any other. Because it’s not just cheering on your own, but realising that by the end of this week, ‘your own’ becomes everyone in the Invictus family.”
To which the Duchess walked off stage to the song ‘We are Family’.
Further performances by The Kingdom Choir, who performed at Harry and Meghan’s wedding, and Aloe Blacc kept the crowd excited!
Prince Harry took to the stage to speak to his biggest passion, helping veterans. “You don’t have to be a veteran to be inspired by the Invictus spirit.”
Speaking of determination, the Duke said: “When 67-year former military nurse Cavell Simmonds decided age was just a number and entered into five sports at her first Invictus Games, you know what being optimistic in life really means.”
Adding: “These men and women are role models. They are who every child should look up to. In a world where negativity is given too much of a platform, our Invictus competitors – many of whom have been given a second chance at life – are achieving extraordinary things.”
His Royal Highness concluded his remarks by saying, “I am so proud to call you my friends and my Invictus family. You are the Invictus generation, and you are showing us all that anything is possible.
“Thank you to everyone for an amazing Sydney Games – we’ll see you in the Netherlands in 2020!”
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