Invictus Games Foundation Celebrates
“Heart of Invictus is the incredible story of competitors brought together through service, who are now united through sport.”
Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex
The Invictus Games Foundation’s 10th anniversary celebrations took place on 8th of June, it featured a Service of Thanksgiving held at St Paul’s cathedral, reflecting on 10 years since the inaugural Invictus Games London 2014, marking a decade of changing lives and saving lives through sport.
The Duke of Sussex, Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, was received at the Great West Door by The Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Dean of St Paul’s, and welcomed by members of the Invictus community before being joined by the Lord Mayor of London. Following the Welcome and Bidding, Damian Lewis CBE read the Invictus poem by William Ernest Henley, whose bust resides in the St Paul’s Crypt. This reading was followed by a testimony provided by former Invictus Games Team UK vice-Captain Michelle Turner. Along with her daughter and husband, Michelle Turner read a poem outlining the impact of the Invictus Games on her recovery, and on the lives of her family members.
The Duke of Sussex then provided a reading from I Corinthians 12. 4-11 ahead of a Sermon by The Dean of St Paul’s. Members of the Invictus community followed the Sermon with a series of readings, speakers included Conny Wenting, trustee of the IGF and CEO of the Invictus Games The Hague 2020; Sofie Kirkegaard, daughter of Peter Kirkegaard, a Danish competitor from the Invictus Games Sydney 2018; Ted Colbert III, Executive VP Boeing, Lead Partner of the IGF; Ken Fisher, Fisher House Foundation, long term supporter of the Invictus Games; Matt Fisher [no relation], a member of the CASEVAC Club, and former Endeavour Fund participant; followed by IGF CEO Dominic Reid OBE.
The theme of the event and the 10 year anniversary is marking lives changed and lives saved through sport. During the Service, the Dean acknowledged those who have lost their lives in conflicts past and present, whilst a piper played Flowers of the Forest. Multifaith Military Chaplains then lead the congregation through Acts of Commitment to continue providing access to sport, support, and community.
Earlier this week, the Invictus Games Foundation held the IGF Conversation at the Honourable Artillery Company, at which the results of a long-term study into the benefits of participating in the Invictus Games was shared.
At the Conversation, which also celebrated the work of the Invictus Games Foundation beyond the Invictus Games, The Duke of Sussex joined a panel stage with Ken Fisher and Sir Keith Mills reminiscing on the launch of the Invictus Games London 2014 and the last ten years of the Foundation.
Last week, the final two cities in the shortlist for the Invictus Games 2027 were announced, Washington and Birmingham – representatives of both bids were in attendance at the Service.
The next Invictus Games will be taking place in Canada next year, the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will be the first ever Winter hybrid Invictus Games. More about the Invictus Games Foundation and the work they do click here
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