Prince Harry announced that Sydney will host the 2018 Invictus Games, which will welcome over 500 military competitors from 17 countries. The games use sport to support injured and sick servicemen and women. In shock video Kylie Minogue says “we’re stoked the games are coming.”
Prince Harry has announced that Sydney will play host to the 2018 Invictus Games, in a surprise video featuring Kylie Minogue. The royal said it was an ‘easy decision’ choosing the Australian city to hold the fourth Invictus Games, which will welcome over 500 military competitors from 17 countries, because of its proud military heritage and Sydney’s iconic city status.
The video has been released in the same week Harry led the country in remembering the fallen on Armistice Day, laying a wreath at the National Memorial Arboretum.
The Invictus Games Foundation, founded by Prince Harry, uses sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women and their supportive families.
It is reported that it was at the last games near Orlando, USA, where the 32-year-old was introduced to his girlfriend Suits actress Meghan Markle whilst Harry was promoting the games in her home town Toronto, Canada.
After Miss Markle was spotted shopping in Kensington and is believed to be staying with Harry at his bijou Kensington Palace home, Nottingham Cottage, people are waiting in anticipation hoping the Prince will be bringing her to the England V South Africa rugby game at Twickenham this Saturday. There are also rumours this is to be the first time Harry introduces Miss Markle to members of the royal family.
Harry served for 10 years in the Army and was twice deployed to Afghanistan.a British team competing at the US Warrior Games held in Colorado in 2013, the prince wished to bring the concept of a similar international sporting event to the United Kingdom.
The games have already been held in London and Orlando and will be hosted by Toronto in 2017. Speaking in a video announcement Prince Harry said they want to raise the bar with each successive games.
‘We had three key criteria. First, it had to be an iconic city – somewhere known the world over,’ the royal said.
‘Second, it needed to be a city with a proud military heritage, which would welcome competitors from all over the world with open arms. And finally, we wanted to go somewhere where they are absolutely sports mad and would really get behind our competitors.’
Even iconic Australian singer Kylie Minogue made an appearance during the Prince’s video message, where he was also gifted with a surfboard.
‘We’re stoked The Invictus Games are coming to Sydney, but you don’t need to tell the Aussies to bring it, it’s guaranteed,’ the pop sensation said.
‘Sydney, it’s on,’ the Prince states, and with the cheers of surrounding servicemen they attempt to leave the building before getting stuck in an elevator.
The news was welcomed at an event in Sydney hosted by Lieutenant General Peter Leahy AC, Chair of Invictus Games Sydney 2018.
‘The Invictus Games is far more than a sporting event. It is a movement which celebrates the military community and the spirit that defines their service,’ the Lieutenant General said.
‘Over the next two years we will bear witness to the amazing experiences of those who battle, every day, to turn adversity into opportunity using sport as a vehicle for their rehabilitation. ‘Australians are well known for many great things, with their proud ANZAC spirit and respect for service to the nation being two of them,’ continued Leahy. ‘Sydney will be the perfect location.’
The fourth Invictus Games will be held 18-29 October 2018 with over 500 military competitors from 17 nations.
The 17 nations will compete in eleven different adaptive sports with events being held across Greater Sydney, including Sydney Olympic Park and on and around Sydney Harbour.
The 2018 Invictus Games will also coincide with the Centenary of the end of World World War, which will be a unique opportunity for Australia and the rest of the world to commemorate and honour the military who sacrificed their lives and health for their country.
Kylie Minogue isn’t the first big name the Prince has managed to persuade to help him promote the Games, as well as getting the Queen to feature in a hilarious video he has continued to have the backing of former US president and first lady Barack and Michelle Obama.
Online Source: Daily Mail Australia.
