Invictus Games Orlando 2016 Kicks Off with Unforgettable Opening Ceremony

Prince Harry, First Lady Michelle Obama and Morgan Freeman join almost 500 service members to celebrate a week of competition, adaptive sport and recovery

KISSIMMEE, Fla., May 9, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tonight,  a sold-out audience celebrated the commencement of the Invictus Games Orlando 2016, presented by Jaguar Land Rover, with an awe-inspiring Opening Ceremony.  At the center of the celebration was a focus on the moving stories and invincible spirit of the almost 500 competitors from 14 nations. The brave service men and women paraded through an interactive 3-D cube that was uniquely designed for the ceremony and emblazoned with the colors of each nation and images of comradery. Competitors were welcomed by their friends, family and caregivers following the procession.

"The creation of the Opening Ceremony is a development," said Sara Donaldson, Executive Producer of Invictus Games 2016 Orlando Opening and Closing Ceremonies. "It shows a progression of the Games and is a step forward from what we created in London and what we will see in Toronto in 2017."

To celebrate the arrival of servicemen and women from around the world, international singer Laura Wright took the stage and gave a spine tingling performance of  her original song, "Invincible," which she composed for the inaugural Invictus Games in London in 2014.

As U.S. Team Captain Will Reynolds discussed the significance of the Invictus Games flag tour, a Pave Hawk helicopter made a dramatic entrance when it dropped down next to Champion Stadium, setting the tone for an inspiring event. Stepping out of the helicopter, U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant August O'Neill was greeted by his German shepherd companion, Kai. Reciting the Pararescue motto, The Things We Do. That Others May Live, Captain Will Reynolds and SSGT O'Neill watched as the U.S. Air Force Color Guard raised the Invictus Flag next to the flag of the United States, symbolizing that together they are unconquered. 

Invictus Games Organizing Committee Chairman Ken Fisher took the stage to give thanks to those that brought the Games to life and to share his reason for becoming involved. "To me it is about three words – honor, educate and inspire.  We will seek to honor service to country and the sacrifices made by the entire military family.  We will seek to educate people around the globe about the devastating impact of the unseen wounds of war, and we will seek to inspire those at home who suffer in silence to re-engage with society and seek treatment that is available."

The Opening Ceremony, co-presented by Jaguar Land Rover and The Walt Disney Company, was filled with unprecedented performances, including the U.S. Army Band, the Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, which marked the first time all three bands performed in one central location. Headliner and international star, James Blunt, once an active-duty officer in the British Army, also performed his hit single "You're Beautiful," and additional songs from his albums "All the Lost Souls," "Some Kind of Trouble" and "Moon Landing."

After Blunt's electrifying performance, audiences roared as Prince Harry and First Lady Michelle Obama took the stage to greet the competitors and their families and share how the competitors have inspired them.   

"I had to create the Invictus Games - to build a platform for all those who have served to prove to the world what they have to offer," said Prince Harry. "You will be inspired. You will be moved."

"I am here to honor all of you, our extraordinary service members, veterans and of course our military families," said Michelle Obama. "You are all truly amazing. I am inspired by your courage. I am inspired by the sacrifices you make every single day."

Following their remarks, Morgan Freeman had the honor of leading the audience in reciting the Invictus Games pledge and introducing three story tellers, MSgt Israel Del Toro Jr., LCpl John-James Chalmers and Louis Nethercott. The audience rose to their feet, giving a standing ovation as the three servicemen told their Invictus stories and shared how they were able to overcome visible and invisible wounds of war with the support of their caregivers.

"The choices [my wife] had to make were hard on her. When she gave me the ultimatum she didn't realize why I wanted to stay in [the Air Force]. It was when I got hurt that she understood - she understood the military is a family and that she was never left alone. They had her back. They had my son's back," said Israel Del Toro. "I am like the legendary phoenix. I am reborn from these ashes and these flames have made me stronger."

For the finale, the 150-member Center for American Military Music Opportunities (CAMMO) choir, arranged by John Metcalfe, performed the Invictus Anthem. The Invictus Anthem was adapted from William Ernest Henley's poem "Invictus," which reads, "I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul."

Images from the Opening Ceremony will be available here. Fans can also purchase tickets for the Closing Ceremony on May 12, 2016 by visiting: http://invictusgames2016.org/tickets.

The Invictus Games Orlando 2016 Opening and Closing Ceremonies are being produced by continuumLIVE and Donaldson Creative with Christopher Laue and Sara Donaldson jointly performing the roles of Executive Producer and Creative Director.

About Invictus Games Orlando 2016

Presented by Jaguar Land Rover, the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 are the only international adaptive sporting event for injured active duty and veteran service members. The Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect of all those who serve their country as well as their families and caregivers. Almost 500 competitors from 14 countries will compete in 10 adaptive sports. The Official Supporters are the Walt Disney Company, Fisher House Foundation, the Wounded Warrior Project, Fisher Bothers, Sage, the Coca-Cola Company, Deloitte, Experience Kissimmee, Capital One, Invacare, Ottobock and Dow Fans can buy tickets by visiting http://invictusgames2016.org/tickets/.

SOURCE 2016 Invictus Games

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