Launch of Invictus Games Orlando 2016

On 08/05/2016, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, officially launched the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 with an opening ceremony held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida, United States. The event marked the second edition of the international sporting competition for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans, following its inaugural staging in London in 2014. The opening ceremony brought together more than 500 competitors from 15 countries, competing across multiple adaptive sports including athletics, swimming, wheelchair basketball, and cycling. The Games were designed to support recovery and rehabilitation through sport, while also highlighting the resilience of participants and raising awareness of the challenges faced by injured service members. Prince Harry, who founded the Invictus Games, attended the ceremony alongside military families, officials, and supporters. The event included performances and formal presentations introducing participating teams. The Orlando Games ran from 08/05/2016 to 12/05/2016, with competitions held across venues within the ESPN complex. The 2016 edition expanded the reach of the Invictus Games movement, building on its initial success and reinforcing its role as a platform for international cooperation and veteran support through sport. Why This Moment Matters: The Orlando Games extended the Invictus platform beyond its initial host country, increasing international participation and visibility for veteran rehabilitation through sport.