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Prince Harry Announces Next Host City For Invictus Games 2016
Prince Harry has announced that the next Invictus Games for injured servicemen and women and veterans will be staged in America in 2016.
The Games will be hosted by Orlando in Florida and Harry, who is the patron and driving force behind the event, said he hoped the US would set the bar "even higher" than London, which staged the inaugural competition last September.
The Prince, who is in Africa working as a wildlife conservation volunteer over the summer, made the announcement in a video message recorded before he left the UK.
Speaking about the first Games Harry said:
"The competitors showed grit, determination and humour: an absolute refusal to be beaten or be defined by their injuries - the Invictus spirit was born."
He added: "For every competitor last September, there are hundreds of others around the world who would benefit from having the same opportunity.
"I had always hoped that last year's games would be more than a one off. For me, the 2014 Games were just the beginning of the Invictus story.
"I wanted other cities and countries to look at the competition - what it meant to those taking part and those who saw it - and take up the challenge for the next Invictus Games.
"So today, I am absolutely delighted to announce that the United States has taken up that challenge and will host the next Invictus Games in Orlando."
Harry said: "I have no doubt that Ken Fisher and his team will set the bar even higher than London did and that the USA will put on a great show. No pressure.
"I can't wait to see the American public supporting these inspirational men and women at the next games. And what better place to host such a great family event than Orlando."
The Invictus Games Foundation develops the event's legacy and also manages the selection of hosts for future games and oversees their delivery.
It said the US bid for Orlando won the rights to stage the 2016 Games thanks to the city's outstanding sporting facilities and great tourist infrastructure, which make it an ideal host city for both competitors and spectators.
Harry is patron of the Games, a Paralympics style tournament, which will be staged in Orlando from May 8th-12th next year.
More from Forces TV: Invictus Games 2014: Shining A Spotlight On The Unconquered
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