Hello, everyone! Today we're diving deep into the incredible world of the Invictus Games. As we approach the anniversary of this awe-inspiring event, it's only fitting that we take a closer look at its history, purpose, and the profound impact it has had on the lives of wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans across the globe.

Let's start from the beginning, shall we? The Invictus Games were born from the vision and passion of none other than Prince Harry himself. Having served in the British Army for a decade, including two tours in Afghanistan, Prince Harry witnessed firsthand the struggles and triumphs of his fellow service members. He saw the physical and mental toll that combat could take, and he knew that he had to do something to help.
It was during a visit to the Warrior Games in the United States that the idea for the Invictus Games truly took hold. Seeing the transformative power of sport in the lives of wounded warriors, Prince Harry knew he had to bring this incredible concept to the United Kingdom.
Fast forward to 2014, and the inaugural Invictus Games burst onto the scene in London. Over 400 competitors from 13 nations came together to showcase their unbreakable spirit and athletic prowess. The Games were an instant success, capturing the hearts and minds of people around the world.
But the Invictus Games are about so much more than just sport. At their core, they serve a profound purpose: to harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country. These Games provide a platform for service members and veterans to prove to themselves, and to the world, that their injuries do not define them. They are a celebration of resilience, determination, and the unbreakable human spirit.

Now, let's talk about the sports themselves. The Invictus Games feature a wide array of adaptive sports, each designed to accommodate the unique challenges faced by the participants. From the raw power of powerlifting to the precision of archery, the speed of cycling to the teamwork of sitting volleyball, there's truly something for everyone.
In powerlifting, competitors showcase their incredible strength as they bench press, squat, and deadlift their way to glory. Archery requires a steady hand, laser-like focus, and nerves of steel as competitors aim for the bullseye. Cycling tests both endurance and speed, with riders navigating challenging courses on specially adapted bikes. And in sitting volleyball, teamwork is key as players work together to keep the ball in play and score points.
But the Invictus Games don't just feature individual sports. Team sports like wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby are some of the most exciting and intense events on the schedule. In wheelchair basketball, players dribble, pass, and shoot their way up and down the court, all while navigating their chairs with incredible skill and agility. Wheelchair rugby, meanwhile, is a full-contact sport that combines elements of basketball, handball, and ice hockey. It's fast, furious, and absolutely thrilling to watch.
But who exactly is eligible to compete in the Invictus Games? The answer is simple: any active duty or veteran service member who has become ill or injured during or as a direct consequence of their service. It doesn't matter which branch of the military they serve in or which country they call home. The Invictus Games welcome them all with open arms.
The selection process for the Invictus Games is rigorous and competitive. Hopeful competitors must first be nominated by their respective nations, and then undergo a series of trials and evaluations to determine their fitness and readiness to compete. Those who make the cut then embark on a grueling training regimen, working with coaches, trainers, and medical staff to prepare themselves physically and mentally for the challenges ahead.

Over the years, the Invictus Games have given rise to some truly remarkable stories and athletes. One such athlete is Mark Ormrod, a former Royal Marine who lost both legs and his right arm while serving in Afghanistan. But Mark refused to let his injuries define him. He threw himself into training, determined to compete in the Invictus Games. And compete he did, winning multiple medals and becoming an inspiration to people around the world.
But Mark's story is just one of many. There's also the story of Elizabeth Marks, a US Army sergeant who suffered a severe hip injury while deployed in Iraq. Elizabeth's injury was so severe that she had to undergo 12 surgeries and learn to walk again. But she never gave up on her dream of competing in the Invictus Games. In 2016, she won four gold medals in swimming, becoming one of the most decorated athletes in Invictus Games history.
And then there's the story of Edwin Vermetten, a Dutch army veteran who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after serving in Bosnia and Afghanistan. For Edwin, the Invictus Games were a lifeline, a chance to reconnect with his fellow veterans and find a sense of purpose again. In 2018, Edwin competed in the Games alongside his service dog, Midas, who helped him manage his PTSD symptoms. Together, they won hearts around the world and shone a light on the incredible bond between veterans and their service animals.
These are just a few examples of the incredible stories that emerge from the Invictus Games each year. For many competitors, the Games are a turning point, a chance to reclaim their identity and prove to themselves that they are more than their injuries. But the impact of the Invictus Games extends far beyond the individual competitors.
Family members and supporters play a crucial role in the Invictus Games, providing love, encouragement, and unwavering support to the competitors. For many families, the Games are a chance to celebrate the incredible resilience and determination of their loved ones, and to connect with other families who understand the unique challenges they face.
The Invictus Games also have a profound impact on the host cities and local communities. Each Games brings a surge of energy and excitement to the host city, with thousands of visitors from around the world descending on the area to cheer on the competitors. Local businesses and organizations often get involved, volunteering their time and resources to support the Games and the competitors.
But perhaps the most significant impact of the Invictus Games is on society's perception of disability and the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in sports and beyond. The Games challenge stereotypes and shatter preconceptions about what people with disabilities can achieve. They showcase the incredible talent, skill, and determination of the competitors, and inspire people around the world to see beyond the surface and appreciate the inherent worth and potential of every individual.

Of course, no discussion of the Invictus Games would be complete without mentioning the driving force behind it all: Prince Harry. From the very beginning, Prince Harry has poured his heart and soul into the Invictus Games. He has been there every step of the way, attending every single Games and cheering on the competitors with an enthusiasm that is truly infectious.
But Prince Harry's involvement goes far beyond just showing up. He has been a tireless advocate for the Invictus Games and the military community as a whole. His passion and commitment have helped to elevate the Games to new heights, bringing in more supporters, more sponsors, and more attention from the media and the public.
In interviews and speeches, Prince Harry often speaks about the profound impact that the Invictus Games have had on his own life. He talks about the incredible resilience and determination of the competitors, and how their stories have inspired him to be a better person and a better advocate for the military community.
Prince Harry's wife, Meghan Markle, has also become a key figure in the Invictus Games community. Together, she and Prince Harry have attended numerous Invictus Games events, meeting with competitors and their families and raising awareness about the incredible work being done by the Invictus Games Foundation.
Since those first Games in London back in 2014, the Invictus Games have grown and evolved in ways that few could have predicted. Subsequent Games have been held in Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, and The Hague, each one bigger and better than the last. The number of nations and competitors has steadily increased, with over 500 athletes from 20 countries taking part in the most recent Games.
But it's not just the size of the Games that has grown. The Invictus Games have also become a global phenomenon, capturing the attention of people around the world. They have been broadcast on television and streaming platforms, allowing millions of viewers to witness the incredible stories and achievements of the participants firsthand.
The opening and closing ceremonies have become major events in their own right, featuring stunning performances, heartfelt speeches, and emotional tributes to the competitors and their families. In Toronto, for example, the opening ceremony featured a moving performance by the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as speeches by Prince Harry and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The Invictus Games Foundation, the organization behind the Games, has also grown and evolved over the years. The Foundation now works year-round to support wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans, providing them with opportunities to engage in sport and physical activity, as well as access to education, employment, and other support services.
The Foundation has also formed partnerships with a wide range of organ