Invictus Games 2016 launched on Sunday night with the help of Prince Harry and U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama. The event was held at Walt Disney World's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.
George W. Bush and Morgan Freeman also attended the opening ceremony. Veteran James Blunt and singer Laura Wright performed.
Founded by Prince Harry, the Invictus Games will feature adaptive sports competitions for wounded, sick and injured solders and veterans, according to Parent Herald. One of the goals of the multi-event is to ensure that troops would not be forgotten for their services.
There are about 500 competitors that represent 14 countries from around the world that will take part in the 10 events of the Invictus Games. Among the games include wheelchair rugby, powerlifting and archery.
The British royal said among ceremony attendees and competitors that he felt like he was home upon looking at the faces of fellow servicemen and women. Prince Harry previously served as an Apache helicopter pilot to the British armed forces in Afghanistan.
Harry explains that he learned the importance of teamwork and camaraderie that only experience from the military service can teach. The 31-year old prince joined the army because he wanted to be one of the guys for a long time.
Prince Harry also took a moment to recognize veterans and non-veterans who are struggling with invisible injuries such as mental health issues. He mentioned that people were not too tough to admit that they went through depression and post-traumatic stress, according to People.
After Prince Harry's speech, he handed over the mic to the first lady. Obama immediately thanked Harry for his work with the Games.
The First Lady brought up the fun rivalry that has played out on social media between the British Royals and the First Family. Obama jokingly advised the U.S. team that they should at least not win too much.
The first standing ovation during the opening ceremony went to a group of wounded, sick and injured ex-service men and women who performed in the stadium. With the guidance of British choirmaster Gareth Malone, the group was brought together eight weeks ago to sing "Flesh and Blood" which they wrote themselves about their experience in the military.
