The Invictus Games Orlando 2016 kicked off with a parade at the Magic Kingdom before the games started on May 8 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
The opening parade featured competitors from participating countries plus celebrity ambassador Shawn Johnson and Disney characters.
The Invictus Games are the only international adaptive sporting event for injured active duty and veteran service members.
The games were started in 2014 by Britain’s Prince Harry and are meant to “inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for wounded, ill or injured servicemen and women who are transitioning into civilian life.”
The Opening Ceremony for the Invictus Games took place Sunday, May 8 and included appearances by Prince Harry, First Lady Michelle Obama, and actor Morgan Freeman. The competition includes more than 500 athletes from 14 countries competing in 10 sports including archery, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball, swimming, indoor rowing, and more.
The Invictus Games run through May 12 and are televised on the ESPN networks. Tickets are still available for the competitions and the closing ceremonies at www.invictusgames.org.
