10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE INVICTUS GAMES

10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE INVICTUS GAMES
10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE INVICTUS GAMES

WHAT ARE THE INVICTUS GAMES?

The Invictus Games are a sporting event for wounded in service men and women, both serving and veteran. They aim to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect.

WHO CREATED THE INVICTUS GAMES?

The Invictus Games were founded by Prince Harry. The inspiration came from his visit to the Warrior Games in the USA, where he witnessed how sport can really help both psychologically and physically.

WHEN WERE THEY CREATED?

The inaugural Invictus Games were held in September 2014 in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Over 400 competitors participated and over 5000 spectators attended the opening ceremony, which included displays by The Red Arrows, The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and the Queen’s Colour Squadron and bands from the Royal Marines, Army and RAF.

WHAT DOES INVICTUS MEAN?

Invictus means unconquered. This perfectly encapsulates the determined attitude of the wounded in service men and women who have the unstoppable motivation to overcome anything put in their path.

WHEN ARE THE INVICTUS GAMES?

The dates of this year’s Games are 20th - 27th October. The Opening and Closing Ceremonies will introduce and celebrate the spirit of Invictus and the outstanding achievements and inspiring resilience of the competitors.

WHERE ARE THE INVICTUS GAMES BEING HELD?

This year, the games are being held in Sydney. The games will attract more than 500 competitors from 18 nations to compete in 11 adaptive sports and will recognise and thank families and friends for their role and the challenges they share in supporting our wounded warriors.

WHO ARE THE UK TEAM?

Team UK is made up of around 72 competitors and more than 200 friends and family. The Team is comprised of a partnership between Help for Heroes, The Ministry of Defence and The Royal British Legion. Help for Heroes is leading the work to train, select and develop the team for the Invictus Games. The Royal British Legion is leading work to support the team’s friends and families in the UK and Toronto. The MOD, along with Help For Heroes and The Royal British Legion, is a partner in the Defence Recovery Capability, a programme which helps WIS service personnel either return to duty from injury or provides a mechanism to help them back into civilian life.

WHO ARE THE COMPETITORS?

The competitors are people who have risked their lives for their country and suffered life changing injuries and illnesses along the way. Competing at a national or international level can be a significant highlight for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women whether serving or veteran. The Invictus Games is a showcase of those individuals that have overcome the odds to succeed.

WHAT SPORTS ARE INCLUDED?

This year’s games will involve the following sports: Archery, Athletics, Indoor Rowing, Jaguar Land Rover Challenge, Powerlifting, Road Cycling, Sailing, Sitting Volleyball, Swimming, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby.

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT?

In May, Bremont presented Team UK with bespoke Team UK Invictus Games bracelets. Following this, we have now created Team UK Supporter bracelets available to the general public, from which all profits will go to Help for Heroes. These are available to purchase online and in Bremont Boutiques.

The Bremont Invictus Games Team UK Supporters Bracelet is available to purchase for £35 through our Online Boutique, with all proceeds going to support Team UK via Help for Heroes. Click here to purchase.

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