The Royal Couple Cheer on the Invictus Games
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
The new parents-to-be Harry and Meghan, been on a whirlwind trip taking them to one of the most inviting destinations in the world, Australia. Two very compassionate and cause-oriented individuals are celebrating their good news of a new addition to the family along with an event that is near and dear to Harry’s heart.
Harry, Duke of Sussex, is the founder of the Invictus Games which he created in 2014 as a multi-sport event tailored for wounded, injured or sick armed forces personnel and veterans. This is the opportunity to compete in such sports as wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball and indoor rowing. The games have been high-profile over the years, drawing such dignitaries as former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama along with former First Lady Michelle Obama.
The location of the games is set in a different city every year. The inaugural games were held in London with the Queen presiding over the event. In 2016, Orlando, Florida, became the host city and in 2017 the games were played in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This year, 2018, the games are being held in Sydney, New Wales, Australia. The location of the 2020 Invictus Games have already been decided. They will take place in The Hague, Netherlands.
The ability to share ‘his’ worthwhile cause of hope and promise for service personnel with his wife, Duchess Meghan, brings Harry such joy and deep satisfaction. The meaning of invictus is ‘unconquered’ and these unsung heroes are just that. The competitors seem invincible, embodied by the spirit of determination and tenacity. The Duke of Sussex has witnessed the strength and power of sport as it heals, not only physically, but, psychologically and socially as well. Harry believes that the games are a critical factor in supporting those who have served their country through on-going care, training and employment opportunities. Thousands of competitors are participating this year, hailing from 18 nations. With the assistance of social media, the word is spreading and attracting larger crowds each year. #GameOnDownUnder
On Saturday evening, October 20, 2018, the Duke of Sussex gave a very moving speech in honor of the Opening Ceremonies. He proclaimed, “These games are about the service and dedication our competitors have provided to the world. They are a symbol of strength, honor and optimism for a new generation.” He gave an outstanding amount of praise for the troops that serve and protect their countries.
The Duke and Duchess arrived at the games in Sydney by boat. On October 21st, they will be part of the viewing audience for the cycling and sailing competitions. On October 22nd, the royal couple will take part in the traditional smoking ceremony as part of their welcome. A smoking ceremony is an ancient aboriginal custom in Australia that involves burning various native plants to produce smoke, which has cleansing properties and the ability to ward off bad spirits from the people and the land and make pathway for a brighter future.
The Invictus Games have certainly been life-changing to not only those competing in the various sports, but, for those that come to watch. As Duke Harry so eloquently put it, “The Invictus generation is defining what it means to serve, in today’s world, as the battle is more dangerous and complicated and these soldiers are selfless.”
The Invictus Games of 2018 give tremendous thanks to all the corporate sponsors who have made this event possible such as Isentia, Medibank, Amazon to name a few and the two presenting sponsors of Jaguar and Land Rover. The games will continue through October 27th, 2018.
Photo Credit: Getty Images and Facebook Page of Invictus Games Foundation.
