On Saturday 20 October, Invictus Games Foundation Patron His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex will join others at the Opening Ceremony of Invictus Games Sydney 2018 presented by Jaguar Land Rover.
Taking place on the Sydney Opera House forecourt, the Opening Ceremony will be an unforgettable experience for the 500 competitors and more than 1000 of their families and friends and a huge milestone in their recovery journeys.
2017 Australian Invictus Games Team Member Michaela Gilewicz was moved to tears at the Opening Ceremony in Toronto last year.
“I hadn’t been part of a team since I left the Army and I didn’t realise how much I missed that environment until I found the Invictus Games,” said Gilewicz, who will play a role in this year’s Opening Ceremony.
“After I discharged, there were times when I couldn’t even find the motivation to leave my house. The Invictus Games and participation in sport gave me purpose and confidence and when I walked out at the Opening Ceremony in Toronto last year, I just became overwhelmed with emotion.”
“I am excited to share this moment with this year’s participating teams and know firsthand just how much the Opening Ceremony will mean to them all.”
Dominic Reid, Chief Executive Officer for the Invictus Games Foundation said the experience would be life-changing for the 500 more competitors and over 1,000 family and friends.
“The impact of the Games will also extend to the thousands of spectators in the stands and the millions watching around the world and inspire everyone to embrace the healing power of sport,” said Mr Reid.
Invictus Games Sydney 2018 CEO Patrick Kidd OBE is excited to welcome the competitors and their family and friends to Sydney after years of preparation.
“The Opening Ceremony of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 will be a wonderful moment for our international visitors, our Australian team and the family and friends who have shared their recovery journey. Seeing how much it means to them to be able to represent their country again will be overwhelming powerful,” said Mr Kidd.
“I urge all Australians to tune in to the Opening Ceremony on ABC 1 at 7:30pm (AEST) this Saturday night for a celebration of the unconquered spirit. You will be entertained, you will be inspired.”
Leading experience agency GPJ Australia will produce the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Opening Ceremony. GPJ Australia Managing Director Caleb Bush said the agency would aim to create an amazing experience.
“As producer of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Opening Ceremony, we will bring the ideal mix of artistic and creative flair, impact, efficiency and technical know-how,” said Bush.
“Our team is among the best in the business, delivering world-class, memorable experiences and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to achieve exactly that and more for the Games.”
The ABC will broadcast the Opening Ceremony live on ABC 1 across Australia and internationally through live streaming so everyone, no matter where they are, can be a part of this historic moment.
The Invictus Games Sydney 2018 sport competition schedule kicked off this morning with the Golf Open presented by ISPS Handa at the New South Wales Golf Club and continues Saturday with the Jaguar Land Rover driving challenge on Cockatoo Island, the first medal event of the 2018 Games.
Founded by His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex in 2014, the Invictus Games is an international sporting event for wounded, injured and ill service men and women, both active duty and veteran. The Games use the healing power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and celebrate the crucial role played by family and friends.
The fourth Invictus Games will be held in Sydney from 20-27 October 2018. 500 competitors from 18 nations will compete in 11 medal sports with events being staged across Greater Sydney, including at Sydney Olympic Park and on and around Sydney Harbour.
With over 90% of tickets already sold, the public are being urged to get in quick so they don’t miss out.
Be inspired. Be entertained. Be there.