Prince Harry continues the tradition of Invictus Games.
As he did in the past, the Duke of Sussex entered the stage at the opening ceremony of the Invictus 2025 games held in Vancouver and Whistler. Speaking on BC Place in Vancouver, where Meghan Markle also took the initial event, Prince Harry welcomed official staff and veterans to the adaptive sports competition.
“At the moment, difficulties and divisions in many parts of the world, we gather here in Vancouver in the spirit of unity. We represent 23 nations. We speak many different languages and reflect the full width of world religions and faiths,” Sussex said. “In addition to any differences, here at Invictus Games, we are based on each other, competing fiercely, but we believe each other, supporting each other and rooting for each other.”
“Listen, the games were born more than the decades ago from the promise I made to myself – the promise to support my obligation, my holy obligation after my decade and the privilege of military service – do everything I could to help my colleague brothers and sisters heal And the first of everything we advocate, “he said.
Harry continued, “Over the past decade, I lost the number of time we heard that you tell us that these Invictus games have saved.” Sincerely, I disagree.
Prince Harry at the opening ceremony of the Invictus game, February 8, 2025 in Whistler, Canada.
Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/Wireimage
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry returned to Canada – in their connection with the earth
“You pushed yourself through doubt and despair. You summed up your mountain and brought us together with you. You continued even when you didn’t think you had more to give. We didn’t do it. We didn’t do it,” he added . “Games simply reveal what is already in you. It is rare – and the most precious – world resources: a character. The spirit of courage and perseverance that can never be won.”
“It’s the magic of Invictus games.”
At this point, when there is no crisis, there is no absence of uncertainty, there is no lack of poorly moral character in the world, the values you embody – in the way you wear – not only on Invictus games, but every day every day … Your courage, Your resistance, your humanity … Light the path to all of us, “Harry continued.
Many of over 500 athletes from 23 countries were moved to tears as they heard Prince Harry speak.
Prince Harry wrapped his speech challenging athletes: “Show the world how you behave under completely impossible circumstances. Show the world your fearlessness. Show the world of size in your attempt to win. Show the world why you are Invictus.”
Prince Harry, a former captain in the British army, created an adaptive sports event for members of wounded, injured and sick services and veterans in 2014.
In addition to Prince Harry on stage at the opening ceremony, the crowd treated the performances of Chris Martin from Coldplay, Katy Perry, Nelly Furtado, Noah Kahan and Roxanne Bruneau.
In an interview with the people in November 2024, the Chief of Operations Invictus Games Robyn Mcvicker said Prince Harry shared his “contribution” when it came to music performances at the event.
“We are delighted to be able to work with him on the approach [ceremonies]. We informed him of the choice and what we were talking about. He had a contribution, “Mcvicker revealed.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle participate in the opening ceremony of the Games Invictus in Canada on February 8, 2024.
Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/Wireimage
Meghan Markle shares a sincere family story in an unplanned speech about Prince Harry at the Invictus Games reception
The closing ceremony will be held on February 16 at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, and also will be the star, with the performances of Jelly Roll, Barenaced Ladies and The War and the Treaty.
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The Vancouver-Whistler Games followed by previous iteration held in London (2014), Orlando (2016), Toronto (2017) and Sydney (2018), Hague (when Covid-19 pushed the event back to 2022) and Düsseldorf (2023).
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle participate in the opening ceremony of the Games Invictus in Canada on February 8, 2024.
Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/Wireimage
This year it has an additional element of excitement, as winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, curling and skeletons will be involved for the first time.
Dominic Reid, going to the Invictus Games CEO praised the dedication of Prince Harry’s event, recently told people that the Duke of Sussex “created extraordinary options for” for veterans and service members, making them feel “seen, heard and worry about. ”
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Source: HIS Education