Prince Harry says Invictus Games can ignite recovery, rebuild confidence and reconnect people
Prince Harry has described the Invictus Games as a spark that can ignite recovery, rebuild confidence and reconnect people with a community that understands them.
He was speaking at an event to promote the 2027 games which are set to take place in Birmingham.
The Invictus Games international sporting event was launched back in 2014 by the Duke of Sussex and is for wounded, injured or sick Armed Forces personnel and veterans.
He said the games were so much more than the sporting event itself, adding: "For those of us here know that the games have never been the destination.
"In many respects, they, and the training to get there, are the beginning.
"The catalyst. A spark that can ignite recovery, rebuild confidence and reconnect people with a community that understands them.
"The real work happens long before the opening ceremony, and the legacy continues long after the closing."
He added: "It happens in rehabilitation centres. It happens in local gyms or in their garage.
"Across communities around the world. It happens through families who never give up.
"Through coaches, clinicians, welfare teams, employers and, of course, volunteers."
The Invictus Games Foundation unveiled Uganda as the latest country to sign up to the games bringing the total now to 26 nations taking part.
The announcement took place at the IGF Conversation From Policy to Practice event at Chatham House in London.
It included an international panel of Ministers for Veterans Affairs who discussed focusing support where the need is great and ensuring more international wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans can access the power of sport for recovery.
The Duke of Sussex said one of the greatest privileges of the past 12 years of his life has been meeting wounded, injured and sick service personnel from every corner of the world.
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