To The Unconquered!

(Soul filled Master-Mistress-Captain!)

Come forth ye valiant and loyal, men and women!

For the unconquered soul seeks to find one who is unafraid.

As William Ernest Henley said, “ I am master of my fate...the captain of my soul.”

“My body bloody, unbowed, renewed!”

Invictus; Unconquered; aptly named.

Now a banner to those in war so maimed.

“I am,”

The focus celebrated and recognised, in sport competition.

“invIctus”

“gAMes”

A patron, in equal experience exposed:

HRH Prince Harry; Prince Henry of Wales, KCVO;

Captain; 662 Squadron, 3 Regiment, Army Air Corps;

Served: Helmand Province, Afghanistan;

Led the charge to give life and meaning,

to those who served, Queen, and Country.

To be the best they may be!

These men and women, walking wounded, rehabilitated,

That each may be Invictus;

Ambassadors who will never stop fighting

to lift up every one around them.

2014, the first games, in London held.

Adopted, and developed!

2016 brought new success;

Launched at Fort Belvoir,

Held at ESPN Wide World of Sport Complex,

Orlando, Florida, May 8^th -12^th.

Ken Fisher, Chairman of the Games,

CEO Fisher House Foundation,

an organisation that serves American War Veterans and Heroes!

Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wives,

Of the President and Vice President USA.

Opened the Games. 4 days of events!

Dr. Jill Biden led the closing ceremony remarks!

Congratulations to the competitors, families and friends;

It is an honour to have been there.

The finest Athletes and Warriors in the world

carried their country's flag to compete,

to reflect duty, loyalty and sacrifice,

the most humbling experience.

Thanks to Prince Harry and Ken Fisher.

She was proud of all competitors,

their spirit, competitive drive,

Dedication and resilience, strength, determination,

all to be recognised.

Captain William Reynolds, US Team Captain,

injured by an IED, event winner;

2 golds, track and field, 2 silvers, cycling,

gave his closing speech.

In his address:

“Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Serve for a higher cause,

Close with and inspire all friendlies.

Tell the story and inspire,

As Ambassadors of Invictus!

Prince Harry, affable, relaxed spoke:

To all friends and families.

A ride; all should be moved, inspired and entertained;

As Stevie Wonder said “Team work makes the dream work.”

4 days, 10 sports, 13 support dogs, 14 Nations,

149 events, 410 medals, 485 competitors,

836 volunteers, 1008 friends and family.

Hundreds of hours of competition.

Many smiles, tears, hugs and cheers.

Thanks given : Ken Fisher, Vicky Gosling, US organisers;

Acknowledged the most significant award,

The Invictus Foundation Medallions;

Recognition of intense rehabilitation,

Fierce competition, high standards.

Courage to make it to the Starting Line,

take to the Field, dive into the Pool.

Warriors all, medal or no medal!

There has been sacrifice;

See how far you've come!

You are all Invictus!

Mark Urquhart, Steven Simmons,

Tim Payne, Jonas Andersen, Elizabeth Marks,

Luke Sinnott, Ufat Al-Zwiri, Sarah Rudder.

Entertainment provided at the close:

Prominent artistes honoured the heroes!

Rachael Platten: Singing “Fight Song”,

An unofficial anthem!

“This is my fight...

Take back my life...

Prove I'm alright...

My power's turned on

A lot of fight left in me."

Sean Jones: Singing “O Canada”

Jordan Smith, Philip Phillips,

Israel Del Toro.

Fireworks, most dramatic, a fitting tribute.

The Countries:

Afghanistan, Australia, Canada,

Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia,

Germany, Italy, Jordan, Netherlands,

New Zealand, United Kingdom,

United States of America,

The Sports:

Archery, Driving Competition,Indoor Rowing,

Track and Field – Paralympic Athletics,

Paralympic Swimming, Para Triathlon,

Power Lifting, Road Cycling – Para Cycling,

Sitting Volley Ball, Wheelchair Basketball,

Wheelchair Rugby, Wheelchair Tennis,

2017: September;

The Host City: Toronto, Canada.

The Chairman; Michael Burns.

Bring forth Strength, Resilience, Determination.

Will George © May 20^th2016