The Invictus Games returned this year, with a stunning opening ceremony in Vancouver, Canada, featuring a number of musical acts, including Katy Perry and Chris Martin, as well as a message of unity from Prince Harry. The event was attended by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and saw injured and retired service personnel from across the world compete against each other in winter sports for the first time. The seventh edition of the Invictus Games featured 500 athletes competing in 11 different events and marked nearly a decade since the tournament was founded.
Offering his support to competitors and acknowledging that many parts of the world are facing difficulties and division, the Duke of Sussex delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing gratitude for the servicemen’s participation: “We gather here in Vancouver in a spirit of unity. Beyond any differences, here at the Invictus Games we are grounded in mutual respect, competing fiercely, but believing in one another.” Additionally, the Duke added, “Over the past decade I’ve lost count of the times we’ve heard you tell us that the Invictus Games saved you. Respectfully, I disagree. Invictus didn’t save you. You saved yourself.”
The Invictus Games were created by Prince Harry in 2014 and were inspired by the Warrior Games, featuring injured service members from the US competing in various sports. The idea was so popular that it went on to become an international competition, held in different countries around the world every year. This year’s ceremony showcased a variety of winter games like sled hockey, wheelchair curling, and other rousing competitions. The games also exemplified the athletes’ spirit of perseverance and resilience, reminding the world of the remarkable feats that can be achieved by those who have experienced adversity.
However, the occasion was marred by comments by former President Donald Trump about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. According to the New York Post, the former President, previously a vocal critic of Meghan, told the newspaper he wouldn’t advocate for the prince’s deportation, adding “He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible.” The legitimacy of the couple’s visa has been doubted by some activists, but officials have stated that Prince Harry’s admissions in his memoir, Spare, about his past drug use should not result in any automatic denial of a US visa
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