One of the sporting events that should deserve the support of the airsofting community is the Invictus Games. Today, the games will kick off and wounded and disabled veterans from various military organisations invited to the games will go for glory for the next seven days. Toronto will be the host of the Invictus Games 2017, the third city to host the event ever since its inaugural games in London in 2014.

Prince Harry of Wales (officially it is Prince Henry of Wales), created the Invictus Games. It is a Paralympic Style “sporting event for wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women”.

For 2017, 17 countries have been invited to participate in the Games. This includes the 15 countries that participated in the 2016 Games in Orlando, Florida with new participants coming from Romania and Ukraine. They will be competing in 12 events from Archery to Wheelchair Tennis.

As the Invictus Games Foundation website puts it:

“Invictus Games competitors are the men and women who have come face-to-face with the reality of making a sacrifice for their country. They are the mothers, fathers, husbands and wives who have put their lives on the line and have suffered life-changing injuries. These people are the embodiment of everything the Invictus Games stands for. They have been tested and challenged, but they have not been overcome. They have proven they cannot be defeated. They have the willpower to persevere and conquer new heights. The Games shine a spotlight on the sacrifices these men and women made serving their country, and their indefatigable drive to overcome.

The Invictus Games is about much more than just sport – it captures hearts, challenges minds and changes lives.”

All the competitors in the Invictus Games should be lauded, and the event overall should be supported. This is not only in recognition of their service and sacrifice but in giving the utmost respect for their super human efforts to overcome their disabilities. The games will be televised on BBC, we could at least follow them on our screens wherever we are in the world if we have access to BBC.

The Opening Ceremonies of the Invictus Games will be tonight at 1930H EDT.

Top photo: Invictus Games flag in Calgary, Canada (Source: Invictus Games 2017 Toronto Facebook Page)