Invictus Games 2016 Orlando

Photo's and story by Ray Tharaldson

 

WE CAME.
WE SAW.
WE'RE UNCONQUERED.

"I am absolutely delighted that the United States has taken up that challenge and will host the next Invictus Games in 2016. I have no doubt that the USA will set the bar even higher than London did and put on a great show." Prince Harry.

The Invictus Story

Most of us will never know the full horrors of combat. Many Servicemen and women suffer life-changing injuries, visible or otherwise, whilst serving their country. How do these men and women find the motivation to move on and not be defined by their injuries?

 

How can they be recognized for their achievements and not given sympathy? Prince Harry asked these questions. On a trip to the Warrior Games in the USA in 2013 he saw how the power of sport could help physically, psychologically and socially. His mind was made up. London would host the inaugural Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick Service personnel.

 

The word ‘Invictus’ means ‘unconquered’. It embodies the fighting spirit of the wounded, injured and sick service personnel and what these tenacious men and women can achieve, post injury. The Games 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 have shone a spotlight on the ‘unconquerable’ character of service men and women and their families and their ‘Invictus’ spirit. These Games have been about seeing guys sprinting for the finish line and then turning round to clap the last man in. They have been about teammates choosing to cross the line together, not wanting to come second, but not wanting the other guys to either. These Games have shown the very best of the human spirit. Prince Harry.

In the words of Prince Harry of England, “Invictus means unconquered, a word which perfectly embodies the fighting spirit of the wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.”

Prince Harry has been the inspiration and creator of the Invictus Games and did so after a visit he made to the United States in 2013 to attend the “Warrior Games”. It was at that point in time that he realized and “fully appreciated” that sport played a vital role in helping with the recovery process.

Prince Harry's description of the meaning of the Invictus Games sums it up most eloquently: “I believe there is more support we can and should give to these incredible men and women. Reassuring them that their service will not be forgotten and that they have every opportunity to make a full and meaningful contribution to the communities in which they live.”

Every competitor overcame triumphant battles at some level, just to be afforded the opportunity to be at the starting line but what transpires is the most outstanding showcase of competition, camaraderie and the very best of the human spirit.

 

In the words of Ken Fisher, Chairman of the Invictus Games 2016 along with Fisher House: “These games will serve as a powerful reminder that wounded, ill, and injured servicemen and women and their families are not alone. They will be able to share their experiences with each other as only they can. Treating physical and psychological trauma is just one step on the long road to recovery, recovery that is about rediscovering self-confidence,personal ambition, and most importantly, family healing. THAT is the spirit of the INVICTUS GAMES. They truly are unconquered.” (emphasis added)

Mary Louise and I recently had the pleasure and honor to attend the Annual Invictus Games being held at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Disney World Orlando. While we were there with the initial intent of meeting the recipient of the Orlando Rocks Benefit for 2017; with tickets purchased and eager to go, we came to find out that the warrior would not be competing due to prosthetic issues. We attended just the same. Below is the account of our day with all the warriors. Enjoy folks!

In the words of Prince Harry of England, “Invictus means unconquered, a word which perfectly embodies the fighting spirit of the wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.”

Prince Harry has been the inspiration and creator of the Invictus Games and did so after a visit he made to the United States in 2013 to attend the “Warrior Games”. It was at that point in time that he realized and “fully appreciated” that sport played a vital role in helping with the recovery process.

  

Prince Harry's description of the meaning of the Invictus Games sums it up most eloquently: “I believe there is more support we can and should give to these incredible men and women. Reassuring them that their service will not be forgotten and that they have every opportunity to make a full and meaningful contribution to the communities in which they live.”

Every competitor overcame triumphant battles at some level, just to be afforded the opportunity to be at the starting line but what transpires is the most outstanding showcase of competition, camaraderie and the very best of the human spirit.

On behalf of Mary Louise and myself, Raymond Tharaldon, we hope you enjoy our showcase of photos and undying devotion and we would like to say “thank you” to ALL these American and international heroes.