Prince Harry’s Invictus Games Answers a UK Call after a Decade
It has been a decade since Prince Harry channeled his humanitarian empathy into organizing the inaugural Invictus Games for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, both active and veteran. The organization he founded hosted its first event in London, UK. Since then, the Games have not returned to the UK till now, when a recent announcement confirmed their return to royal soil after 10 years.
Previously, Canada was the only nation, announced to host the Invictus Games twice. However, with Prince Harry bringing the event back to the UK, it has now become the second country to host the Games for a second time.
Prince Harry gears up to bring the Invictus Games to the UK for a second time in a decade
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Despite his prolonged estrangement from his homeland, both Prince Harry and his Invictus Games have been longing for a return. In a statement issued by him on Sussex.com, it was announced recently that Birmingham, England, has been chosen to host the Duke's sports tournament for veterans and wounded armed forces personnel, beating out Washington D.C. This marks the Games' return to the UK for the first time since the inaugural competition in London in 2014.
The official announcement will be made today, July 23, in the UK by a team led by Dominic Reid, CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation, who has recently stepped down. The Birmingham Invictus Games will take place in July 2027, following the next Games scheduled for February 2025 in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, which will feature winter sports for the first time. Additionally, the British Minister for Veterans and People, the Rt Hon AL Carns, will participate in a flag-hoisting ceremony at the city's National Exhibition Centre to announce the venue.
While the return of the Invictus Games to the UK is a significant homecoming for Prince Harry, he recently faced a major setback with the resignation of the CEO.
Prince Harry’s Invictus Games CEO Dominic Reid quits position
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Prince Harry has recently faced a series of setbacks, the latest being backlashes over his acceptance of the Pat Tillman Award. Amid the growing controversy in the US, the Duke issued a statement regarding the departure of Invictus Games CEO Dominic Reid. The Prince expressed heartfelt gratitude for Reid's efforts in transforming the Invictus Games from a concept into a globally recognized movement.
Reid, in his statement, shared that it had been an absolute honor to serve in the role, but felt and further insisted it was the "right time" to step aside. Although the return of the Invictus Games to the UK after a decade is a positive development, Prince Harry is undoubtedly feeling the loss of a key figure in the organization with Reid's resignation.
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What do you think of Prince Harry's Invictus Games return for an event in the UK after 10 long years? Let us know in the comments below!
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Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui
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