This evening I had the honour to join representatives from across the global military community – past and present – the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of London, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the UK Prime Minister’s wife Mrs. Akshata Murty and the Duke of Sussex, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games Foundation at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The Invictus Games Foundation was founded by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, following his return from deployment in Afghanistan where he watched as the coffin of a Danish Soldier was loaded aboard for repatriation, alongside three injured British soldiers. That moment had a profound impact on him and, following a visit to the US Warrior Games in 2013, he was inspired to create the international Invictus Games to celebrate the unconquered human spirit, and shine a spotlight on these men and women who served.
The Invictus Games Foundation offers a recovery pathway for international wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women. It collaborates to provide opportunities for post-traumatic growth: enabling those involved to reclaim their purpose, identity and future, beyond injury. It encourages a greater international understanding of and respect for those who serve their country by inspiring recovery and supporting the rehabilitation of wounded injured and sick service personnel and veterans.
Serious injury or illness can significantly affect a person physically, psychologically and socially. For those who have served, these injuries or illnesses, whether sustained during conflict or otherwise, can have the additional impact of dramatic and sudden changes to their chosen career or lifestyle, placing pressure on their family or home life.
The Invictus Games is a biennial competition involving 22 nations and 500 competitors. We are Invictus is a free platform which provides opportunities for recovery through sports beyond the Games, alongside a peer-to-peer network. These include activities across sports, esports, adventurous challenge, employment, volunteering and speaking opportunities.
The Thanksgiving Service was conducted by the Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, The Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, who spoke movingly in his sermon about the point at which many injured service personnel are discharged from medical care, disconnected from the military community, unable to work and having to come to terms with adapting to a new life living differently. That is where the Foundation has inserted itself and changed outcomes for so many people across the world. Using sport as a crutch to inspire people with a new sense of purpose to compete, to engage in a new, but familiar community and to share their experiences with others who may need support.
Undoubtedly, the most moving part of the Service was a poem which had been written by a husband, wife and daughter. The poem spoke about the experience of Michelle Turner who felt that Invictus had pulled her back from the brink and helped her rebuild her life. Their poem ended with each, in turn, saying, “Thank you Invictus for giving me my mum back.” “Thank you Invictus for giving me my wife back.” “Thank you Invictus for giving me my life back.” At which point I don’t think there was a dry eye in the Cathedral. Such an brave, powerful and inspiring message, but one which was echoed by many.
At a small reception following the Service, The Duke of Sussex spoke about his early memories of the Foundation, wondering how long it could last – guessing probably 2 years, perhaps 4. The global demand for this service and the impact it has had is clearly his motivation. He also rallied those present to help ensure that the Foundation can continue to grow in the years to come and outlined some of the plans to do so.
Despite the tabloid media nonsense which has surrounded this event, it was never about any one person. It was about a global community which has pulled together to support those in need.
My congratulations to Dominic Reid OBE, Chief Executive of the Invictus Games Foundation, to the Duke of Sussex and to all of those who support and participate in this brilliant initiative. Long may it continue!