With the 2016 Invictus Games on this side of the pond in Orlando -- the first was held in London two years ago -- we answer all of your FAQs: how to buy tickets, when and where to tune in, and what the games are all about.
What are the Invictus Games?
The Invictus Games are a worldwide sporting competition involving wounded, ill or injured military athletes. Prince Harry of England, who served in the British Army, is regarded as the founder of the event. The Invictus Games were inspired by the Warrior Games, a similar but separate event contested between teams representing United States armed and special operations forces and United Kingdom military. The first Invictus Games were held in London in 2014, when approximately 400 athletes competed in nine sports. Just like the Olympic Games, the top three competitors or teams in each event receive gold, silver or bronze medals. This year's event will be held in Orlando, Florida, and the next installment will be held in Toronto in 2017 as part of Canada's celebration of the 150th anniversary of its national confederation.
When and where will the 2016 games be held?
The featured events of Invictus Games 2016 will be held May 8-12 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. Click here for ticket information. Note: Some preliminary competitions will be held prior to May 8.
Who are the competitors?
Approximately 500 athletes from 14 nations will participate in this year's event. The competitive ranks are comprised of former and current military service members. Athletes are allowed to compete in multiple sports. In addition to the United States, teams from the following nations will be represented at the 2016 Invictus Games: Afghanistan, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Georgia, Italy, Jordan, New Zealand, Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
What sports are contested?
This year's Invictus Games will hold competitions in 10 sports:
Archery
Cycling
Indoor rowing
Powerlifting
Sitting volleyball
Swimming
Track and field
Wheelchair basketball
Wheelchair rugby
Wheelchair tennis (new in 2016)
When and where can I watch?
ESPN2 will broadcast the opening ceremony, closing ceremony and three nightly recap shows. ESPN3 will broadcast Invictus Games competitions. For a TV schedule, click here and scroll down.
Hey, @KensingtonRoyal! Are you ready for @InvictusOrlando? Game on. pic.twitter.com/S34KrEv5Is
— The First Lady (@FLOTUS) April 29, 2016
Why the name Invictus?
The word invictus translates from Latin as "unconquered." The name of the event specifically originates from a short composition by English poet William Ernest Henley that later inspired Nelson Mandela during his imprisonment in South Africa. Here is the full text of the Henley poem "Invictus," which was written in 1875 and first published in 1888:
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate.
I am the captain of my soul.
For more information, visit the official website of the 2016 Invictus Games.