2014 Invictus Games

The first 2014 Invictus Games were held on 10–14 September 2014.[1][2][3] Around 300 competitors from 13 countries which have fought alongside the United Kingdom in recent military campaigns participated. These included the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Denmark, New Zealand and Afghanistan. Competitive events were held at many of the venues used during the 2012 Olympics, including the Copper Box and the Lee Valley Athletics Centre. The Games were broadcast by the BBC.[4]

Invictus Games – London 2014
Host cityLondon, United Kingdom
Nations participating13
Debuting countries13
Opening ceremony10 September 2014 (2014-09-10)
Closing ceremony14 September 2014 (2014-09-14)
Officially opened byPrince Harry
Four runners from Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States during a 100-metre qualifying heat at the 2014 Invictus Games
Three American defenders knock the ball away from an Australian player during a wheelchair rugby pool match between the United States and Australia at the 2014 Invictus Games

Organising committee
  • President: Prince Harry
  • Chairman: Sir Keith Mills (former deputy chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games)
  • Lieutenant General Andrew Gregory (represents Defence on the Invictus Games Board)
  • General Sir Nick Parker (was in charge with organising the military support provided by the Armed Forces during the London 2012 Games)
  • Sara Donaldson (was chief operating officer of the Production Company for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies)
  • Edward Lane Fox (private secretary of Prince Harry)
  • Debbie Jevans (formerly Director of Sport for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games)
  • Terry Miller (was general counsel for the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games)
  • Guy Monson (trustee of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry)
  • Roger Mosey (was the BBC's Director of London 2012 Olympic Games coverage and former BBC editorial director)
  • Mary Reilly (was also on the Board of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games)
  • Chris Townsend (was Commercial Director for the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games)
  • Sir Nathan Murray (was in charge of organising the arenas for the games to take place)

Invited countries

14 countries were invited to the 2014 games, 8 from Europe, 2 from Asia, 2 from North America and 2 from Oceania. No countries from Africa were invited. There were teams from all the invited countries, except Iraq, competing in the games.

Sporting events

Athletics (aka track & field), archery, indoor rowing, powerlifting, road cycling, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby. The presenting partner Jaguar Land Rover also organised a driving challenge.

Closing concert

The closing concert was broadcast on BBC Two hosted by Clare Balding and Greg James.[6] The concert was hosted by Nick Grimshaw and Fearne Cotton, with live performances from Foo Fighters, Kaiser Chiefs, James Blunt, Rizzle Kicks, Ryan Adams and Ellie Goulding.[7][8][9]

Venues

The following venues were used for Invictus 2014:

References
  1. "Prince Harry launches 'Invictus Games' for wounded vets". USA Today. 6 March 2014. Retrieved 6 March 2014.
  2. Adams, Sam (6 March 2014). "What are the Invictus Games?". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 6 March 2014.
  3. "Prince Harry launches Invictus Games for soldiers". Zee News. 6 March 2014. Retrieved 6 March 2014.
  4. "Prince Harry launches sports event for wounded soldiers". One News. TVNZ. 7 March 2014. Retrieved 12 March 2014.
  5. "Prince Harry: Join me in cheering on these inspirational men and women". London Evening Standard. 12 May 2014. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  6. Ringwood, Shaun (14 September 2014). "The Invictus Games – Closing Concert on BBC Two tonight featuring Foo Fighters, Kaiser Chiefs, Ellie Goulding & Diversity". Scunthorpe Telegraph. Local World. Archived from the original on 17 September 2014. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  7. "Invictus Games go out on a high with Foo Fighters, Ellie Goulding and more". Digital Spy. 14 September 2014. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  8. Paine, Andre= (15 September 2014). "Invictus Games Closing Concert, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – music review: Foo Fighters singer Dave Grohl dedicated My Hero to 'all the heroes'". London Evening Standard. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  9. McCormick, Neil (15 September 2014). "Invictus Games closing concert, Olympic Park, review: 'heroic endeavour'". The Daily Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
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