(ATR) The first multisports event to be staged at the legacy London Olympics hub is now underway.
Created by Prince Harry, the Invictus Games for wounded servicemen and women opened last night at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. More than 400 athletes from 13 countries will take part in events over four days.
The nine sports on the program are archery, athletics, wheelchair basketball, road cycling, powerlifting, indoor rowing, wheelchair rugby, swimming and sitting volleyball. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is hosting events in the London Aquatics Centre, Copper Box Arena, Lee Valley VeloPark and Here East with athletics at Lee Valley Athletics Centre.
Prince Harry launched the games concept in March, inspired to do so by his tours of duty in Afghanistan where he said he had "witnessed the whole cycle of life-changing injury."
"I can only begin to imagine how challenging the journey of recovery is, but the admiration I have for these men and women, to move beyond their injuries, is limitless," the prince said in his opening speech.
"Sport has been the vehicle for their recovery, allowing them to channel their passion into what can be achieved, rather than what can't. No longer are these inspirational men and women defined by their injury but as athletes, competitors and teammates.
"Over the next four days we will see some truly remarkable achievements. For some of those taking part, this will be a stepping stone to elite sport. But for others, it will mark the end of a chapter in their recovery and the beginning of a new one," he added.
A parade of all 416 athletes taking part in the nine sports over the coming days formed part of the curtain-raiser. Competitors come from Afghanistan, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Georgia, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand and the USA.
Among the dignataries at the opening ceremony were the Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and Duke of Cambridge.
U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama sent a recorded video message.
"Some of the most inspiring moments I have had as First Lady are when I've met wounded warriors like so many of you," she said.
"You tell me that you're not just going to recover but that you're going to thrive. You tell me you're not just going to walk but you're going to run marathons. I've seen that resilience and drive first hand at the Warrior Games here in the United States, and I know people are thrilled that the spirit of those games will thrive across the pond in the first ever Invictus Games.
"So to all of the competitors here today, I just want you to know how incredible you are.
She added: "While I can't hide that I hope that Team USA won't bring home a few gold medals, I want you all to know how proud my husband and I are of you and how humbled we are by your example."
Reported by Mark Bisson
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