The countdown to the second Invictus Games is underway, with today (March 19) marking 50 days to go until the opening ceremony in Orlando, Florida.
Wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans are currently training for one of the 100 places available on the UK team, which will head to Orlando in May. The UK team is being delivered by a partnership of the Ministry of Defence, Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion.
Prince Harry, patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, joined competitors at Aldershot Sports Centre recently to watch a speed training session in the pool. He caught up with familiar faces from Invictus Games 2014 as well as meeting new competitors who are using sport as part of their recovery.
More than 500 athletes from 15 countries will compete in the second Invictus Games, which support recovery and rehabilitation and promote improved self-confidence and empowerment.
Team selection is based on the benefits the games will give an individual as part of their recovery, combined with performance and commitment to training. Anticipation is building among the athletes ahead of the UK team announcement on 6 April.
Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans Mark Lancaster said:
With only 50 days to go, the excitement around the Invictus Games is really gathering momentum. Those taking part in the team trials are showing great determination to secure a place at this prestigious event and once again they demonstrate the importance of sport in the recovery process.
Sporting events will include track and field, powerlifting, wheelchair tennis, sitting volleyball, archery and wheelchair basketball.
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Sport remains a crucial means of helping Service personnel regain confidence following injury and Britain’s world-class Battle Back sport programme is just one of the MOD’s commitments to supporting its people recover to the best of their ability. The Battle Back programme uses sport and adventurous training to help individuals improve their resilience, develop confidence, improve motivation and develop positive relationships that will enhance recovery.
The inaugural 2014 Games in London brought together more than 400 current and former personnel from 13 nations and generated a wider understanding of and respect for those who serve their country. Throughout the Games, the inspiring and uplifting personal stories of the competitors highlighted the role that sport and rehabilitation have played on their road to recovery, often opening doors to a new future.
This week, Prince Harry announced that the third Invictus Games have been awarded to Toronto, Canada. They will take place in September 2017 and will have more competitors, more participating nations and more sports than ever before.
The Invictus Games Orlando 2016 will take place from 8 to 12 May at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Follow the UK team’s progress at @DefenceHQ.
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