Prince Harry Welcomes Athletes To Opening Ceremony Of The Invictus Games In Vancouver

Prince Harry attended the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games in Vancouver, continuing his tradition of honoring veterans and service personnel.

Harry gave a warm speech to injured former service members attending the sports competition. “In this moment of difficulty and division in many parts of the world, we gather here in Vancouver in a spirit of unity,” he said.

Many of the 500 team members who came from over 20 different countries had tearful eyes as Harry wrapped up his speech, ending with, “Show the world how you behave under completely impossible circumstances. Show the world the grandeur in your attempt at victory. Show the world why you are Invictus.”

Harry created the adaptive sporting event in 2014 for wounded veterans and service members. The prince has a military background of his own, having served as a former captain in the British Army. New sports included in this year’s competition are skiing, snowboarding, curling and skeleton.

The closing ceremony will be held in Vancouver on Feb. 16 at Rogers Arena and will feature a line-up of famous singers Jelly Roll, Barenaked Ladies and The War and Treaty.