Invictus Games 101

It may be too late to get involved in the Sept. 2017 Invictus Games held in Toronto, but plenty of time to plan for the next one. Mark your calendar for Oct. 18-29, when the 2018 games will be held in Sydney, Australia. More than 500 athletes representing 17 nations will compete. What are the Invictus Games? Established by Prince Harry, the Invictus Games are a series of sporting events that inspire healing and recovery for wounded, ill and injured service members. Participants benefit physically and psychologically by redefining themselves through athletic achievements, not their limitations. “Invictus” means “unconquered,” reflecting the indomitable spirit and tenacity of combat-wounded veterans from around the world. The games support rehabilitation while raising awareness and generating respect for those who have sacrificed through military service. Games include: Wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis, sitting volleyball, swimming, Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge, track and field, powerlifting, archery, cycling, and rowing. Does the U.S. Participation in Invictus Games? Silly question. In 2016, the U.S. took the Gold, defeating the U.K. in wheelchair basketball. U.S. teams are profiled at invictusgames2017.org. The Invictus Foundation was established by Prince Harry after the Inaugural 2014 Invictus Games in London. The Foundation was established to continue the legacy and inspire more countries to host future Games. The Foundation facilitates the selection of host countries and provides oversight for the Games. The Invictus Games are then managed by a board of trustees with collective experience in military, business and sports. Tickets for the Invictus Games range from $13-$65 per session; available during the summer before each game. Fans can stay on top of announcements and opportunities to get involved by subscribing to the Invictus Games newsletter at invictusgames2017.org/tickets. To learn more about the 2018 games, visit www.invictusgames2018.org. ### Sources:

• https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/
• https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/games/2018
• https://www.facebook.com/invictuslondon/