The Invictus Games in Düsseldorf are in the starting blocks. A month before the official start, the initiator and patron Prince Harry (38) spoke in a short video that was distributed via Instagram, among other things. In it he sends a message to all athletes who will be competing in the Merkur Spielarena from September 9th to September 16th. In front of a bookshelf, Harry speaks into the camera: “Hello everyone, we are exactly one month away from creating a home for respect in Düsseldorf 2023 for the next Invictus Games.”
He hopes everyone can look forward to the big event. He himself is a little nervous, but also full of anticipation. He can’t wait to see the whole community and experience it together again. It’s been too long since we last met. Some participants are in Dusseldorf for the first time, others would return: “In any case, there will be an element of excitement and nervousness and I’m sure that some of you have been waiting for this moment for a very long time.”
The Invictus Games are an international sporting event for servicewomen and men who have sustained injuries on duty or during deployments or permanent impairments due to physical and mental illnesses. They were created by Prince Harry in 2014. In addition to the United Kingdom, countries such as Germany, Australia, France, Israel, Italy, Nigeria, Canada and the USA also take part in the competitions.
“You are all at different stages of your healing journey – we all are and always will be – but I can assure you that this experience will hopefully change your life and you will surely come out of it a better person,” Harry said continued his speech. “Can’t wait for all continents to be represented except Antarctica,” Harry joked with a smile.
