Prince Harry has sent three tweets in support of the eleven Invictus Games competitors that are competing in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, which will take place from 7-18 September.
His Royal Highness said on the Kensington Palace Twitter account, “To those @WeAreInvictus #Rio2016 competitors, what an incredible achievement – well done for your selection. You’ve trained harder than ever, but the fight to the finish line won’t be easy. You know this better than anyone. Cherish this moment as you get to serve your country again. Absorb the applause and atmosphere, but most importantly – have fun!”
The eleven athletes are from five different countries. Curtis McGrath will represent Australia, while Christine Gauthier will represent Canada. The British will be represented by Dave Henson, Micky Yule, Joe Townsend, Mikey Hall, and Nick Beighton. Italy’s Invictus athlete will be Monica Contraffatto. Finally, Elizabeth Marks, Jennifer Schuble, and Shawn Cheshire will represent the United States of America.
On the Invictus Foundation website, Harry, who is Patron of the Invictus Foundation, said “I remember watching these competitors at the 2014 and 2016 Invictus Games. And now they’ve been selected for the Rio Paralympic Games. I can’t think of a better example of showing how important sport can be for recovery.”
He continued, “I know they’ll compete with the same Invictus spirit that we saw in London and Orlando – motivated not just by winning, but by pushing their bodies and minds to the absolute limit to prove to the world there is life beyond injury. They will lift everyone around them and whether you’re watching in Rio or on TV around the world, they will inspire you. I’m incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved and will be cheering on every single competitor during the Games.”
The Invictus Foundation was created after the 2014 Invictus Games in London. It was created to “pursue and develop the legacy of the Invictus Games,” the Invictus Foundation said in a press release. In May of this year, the Invictus Games were held in Orlando, Florida, USA, and will take place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 24-30 September 2017.
