We will leave no-one behind: Prince Harry lauds Invictus family as he accepts ESPY award
The Duke of Sussex has paid tribute to the "beauty of the Invictus Games" as he was honoured at this year's ESPY Awards in the United States.
Prince Harry received the Pat Tillman Award for Service, awarded by sports channel ESPN to individuals in the sporting world who have made significant contributions to the lives of others.
"Our community proves that unity is not just possible, but formidable," he told the audience.
The Pat Tillman Award for Service is named after former NFL player and US Army Ranger Pat Tillman, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2004.
Prince Harry was being recognised for founding the Invictus Games a decade ago to support injured and sick servicemen and women – those on active duty and veterans – who are navigating physical and invisible injuries.
The Invictus Games is an international multi-sport event launched in 2014 by the Duke of Sussex after taking inspiration from the 2013 Warrior Games.
The adaptive event takes its name from the Latin word 'Invictus', meaning 'unconquered' or 'undefeated'.
The Duke of Sussex opened his speech by acknowledging the family of Mr Tillman, "especially Mrs Mary Tillman – Pat's mother".
"Her advocacy for Pat's legacy is deeply personal, and one that I respect," he said.
"The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses."
His speech comes ahead of the anniversary of the death of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales.
ESPN said Prince Harry had been honoured for his "tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport" as the Invictus Games has "transcended borders and impacted lives across every continent" over the last 10 years.
In his acceptance speech, Prince Harry said: "While so much progress has been made since those first games, the world outside seems to be in an even more precarious state.
"We live in an age marked by polarisation and division. Conflicts rage around the globe. Anger and resentment towards those who are different seem to pervade societies everywhere."
The beauty of the Invictus Games
He continued: "Our community challenges that. Our community proves that unity is not just possible, but formidable.
"The beauty of the Invictus Games lies in how it brings people together, no matter one's nationality, background, or personal struggles.
"It is a collective, built from courage and mutual respect, where athletes discover time and time again the common denominator of their humanity.
"Having survived the crucible of armed combat, and forged through the challenge to rebuild bodies and minds impacted by conflict, they form a family.
"They exemplify the very best in all of us."
We will leave no one behind
He added: "I stand here not as Prince Harry [but as a] voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality.
"This award belongs to them, not to me. That said, it is of great importance to me to highlight these allies, athletes and their amazing families, for their achievements, their spirit, and their courage at every opportunity, especially on nights like this, in front of people like you."
Prince Harry concluded his speech making a promise on behalf of the foundation.
"No matter the road ahead, we are here for you. We will leave no-one behind," he said.
Next year, Vancouver and Whistler will host the seventh games, which include new winter sports for the first time.
Sixty-four people have been selected to represent the UK at next year's games.
The team of 60 – plus four reserves – is made up of 37 veterans and 27 service personnel, by far the biggest proportion of people still serving in the Armed Forces that Team UK have ever produced.
In May, Prince Harry travelled to the UK for a special service at St Paul's Cathedral to mark 10 years of the Invictus Games.
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