The Invictus Games took place in Toronto
, Canada from 23 – 30 September 2017.
How can they (wounded and injured soldiers ) be recognised 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 brought together more than 550 competitors from 17 nations for 8 days of fierce competition. As well as countries who participated in the 2014 and 2016 Invictus Games, Ukraine and Romania took part in their first ever Invictus Games.
They took part in 12 adaptive sports including archery, athletics, indoor rowing, powerlifting, road cycling, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis and wheelchair rugby. Also, new to the sports line up was golf.
There was also a demonstration match of sledge hockey. All competitions took place in state-of-the-art sport venues throughout Toronto.
The 2017 Games introduced the first-ever Invictus Games relay in the history of the Invictus Games, igniting the Invictus Games spirit across all 32 Canadian military bases and neighbouring communities.
The Invictus Games Toronto 2017 were organised by the 2017 Invictus Games Organising Committee. The Organising Committee was established to build on the success of the London 2014 and Orlando 2016 Invictus Games to put on an event that captured the imaginations of the Canadian public, corporations and governments, as well as soldiers, veterans and their families.
Hosting the Games in Canada in 2017, the year the country celebrates its 150th anniversary, has provided a unique opportunity for Canadians to commemorate and honour its ill, wounded and injured soldiers, and their families.
The Invictus Games Toronto 2017 also marked the beginning of a legacy program to support the growth of adaptive sport programs in Canada and to further personal and professional opportunities for servicemen and women transitioning from the Canadian Armed Forces.
Next Invictus Games will take place in Sydney in 2018.
INVICTUS’
by William Ernest Henley
Generations have drawn on the words of William Ernest Henley’s poem for strength during times of adversity. Henley was himself an amputee and the poem reflects his long battle with illness. The title means “unconquered” and the 16 short lines of the poem encapsulate the indefatigable human spirit, which is at the heart of the Invictus Games.
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Invictus, by William Ernest Henley
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