The British Royal Family made a recent announcement when Princess Charlotte was born and now Disney Parks has their own Royal Announcement to make! Prince Harry is bringing his Invictus Games to Walt Disney World in 2016! The Disney Parks Blog shared the news with the world just this morning and we are very eager to share the details with you.
Beginning on May 8, 2016, and running through May 12, 2016, the Invictus Games will celebrate our wounded servicemen and women from around the world. They will compete in a variety of sporting events at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. In its inaugural year in London, 2014, the Invictus Games drew more than 400 athletes from 13 countries, plus some 65,000 spectators. An additional 10 million watched by television.
The Invictus Games at Walt Disney World in 2016 will be the first time the event takes place in the U.S. and is expected to draw a large number of spectators and involve athletes from up to 14 nations competing in 10 sports – archery, cycling, indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, triathlon, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis.
The Invictus Games were started with the idea that the event would use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for all those who serve their country as well as their families and caregivers. What an awesome reason for these games to have been started and to continue on!
“These Games have shone a spotlight on the ‘unconquerable’ character of service men and women and their families and their ‘Invictus’ spirit. These Games have been about seeing guys sprinting for the finish line and then turning round to clap the last man in. They have been about teammates choosing to cross the line together, not wanting to come second, but not wanting the other guys to either. These Games have shown the very best of the human spirit.” – Prince Harry
We on the Magical DIStractions team wish all the competitors good luck as they begin their journey to the 2016 Invictus Games! We can’t wait to see how this story unfolds and the magic that is brought to these amazing men and women and their families!
Special thanks to my fellow DIStracted author, Christen F. for collaborating with me on this announcement.
Dana Whatley says
Cool! The weather won’t be, but the games will!!
mel says
This is so neat!