<![CDATA[Prince Harry has launched a Paralympic-style
sporting championship for injured soldiers after being impressed a
similar event in the United States.
The fourth-in-line announced plans for the games at the Queen
Elizabeth Park in London where he was joined by Mayor Boris
Johnson.
The Prince has been working hard to bring the event to the UK, ever
since he witnessed first hand the Warrior Games in the US during
his trip last spring.
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“I have witnessed first hand how the power of sport can
positively impact the lives of wounded, injured and sick servicemen
and women in their journey of recovery,” Prince Harry
said. “The Invictus Games will focus on what they can achieve
post-injury and celebrate their fighting spirit through an
inclusive sporting competition that recognises the sacrifice they
have made.”
He added: “I am extremely proud to be bringing an event like this
to the UK for the first time and believe it can have a long-lasting
impact on the well-being of those who have served their nations so
bravely.”
Over 300 injured and wounded servicemen and women will take part in
the eight adaptive sports during the games which will be held at
the Olympic Park and the Lee Valley athletics centre from September
10-14.
Harry and his brother Prince William’s charity The Royal Foundation
of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry will be
contributing a grant to the staging of the event, which will see 13
nations take part.
The event has been welcomed by Prime Minister David Cameron
who described it as a ‘wonderful opportunity to recognise the
commitment of those who serve in the United Kingdom’s and our
allies’ armed forces and to pay tribute to the sacrifice of those
who are wounded or injured.”
Last year, Prince Harry attended the Warrior Games for injured
service personnel, held in Colorado, US.
Speaking about the event he said: “There’s no reason why the
Warrior Games shouldn’t be recognised… with the same amount of
attention as the Olympics and Paralympics.”
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