This Happened — September 10: The First Invictus Games
The first Invictus Games opened at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London on this day in 2014, which had been the site of the 2012 Summer Olympics. The games lasted from September 10 to 14.
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What are the Invictus Games?
The Invictus Games is an international sporting event that was established by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. It provides a platform for wounded, injured, or sick military personnel and veterans from various nations to compete in adaptive sports. The Games aim to promote the power of sport in aiding the recovery and rehabilitation of participants and raise awareness about the challenges faced by wounded warriors.
Why were the Invictus Games established?
Prince Harry was inspired to create the Invictus Games after attending the Warrior Games in the United States. He recognized the positive impact that adaptive sports could have on the physical and mental well-being of wounded service personnel. The Games were established to provide a supportive and competitive environment for participants to showcase their skills, determination, and resilience.
How many countries participated in the first Invictus Games?
The inaugural Invictus Games saw the participation of 13 countries: the United Kingdom, United States, Afghanistan, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Iraq, Italy, and the Netherlands. Over 400 competitors took part in the various sporting events.
Which sports were featured in the first Invictus Games?
The first Invictus Games featured a range of adaptive sports, including athletics (track and field), archery, wheelchair basketball, road cycling, indoor rowing, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, wheelchair rugby, swimming, and wheelchair tennis. The sports were chosen to accommodate participants with a variety of injuries and disabilities.
