Harry said: “Mrs Obama came to us with the challenge and I didn’t know what to do, she dragged her husband into it – (he) happened to be the president – slightly awkward”.
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The event was held at Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.
“Enjoy this exceptional opening ceremony, designed as a tribute to these remarkable men and women”.
And the last time Obama and Prince Harry met on USA soil was when the royal visited Washington on Invictus Games-related business.
The Invictus Games are the creation of Prince Harry, who got the inspiration to help wounded and sick military personnel and their families after his two tours of duty in Afghanistan.
The 500 athletes, from 14 different countries, will compete in the Paralympic-style games over a 4-day span. They are men and women who have been face-to-face with adversities and life-changing injuries.
President Bush suggested that the D needs to be taken out of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) because what our veterans are dealing with is not a ‘disorder.’ “We don’t view it as a disorder, we view it as an injury”, Bush said, and Harry agreed with.
It was created by Prince Harry in 2014 and includes ten events: archery, indoor rowing, powerlifting, road cycling, sitting volleyball, swimming, athletics, wheelchair basketball, rugby and tennis.wheelchair basketball. The Invictus Games are the only worldwide competition of its kind for injured veterans.
“What do you think your mother, Princess Diana, would think about what you’ve done here for veterans”, O’Donnell asked?
With the guidance of British choirmaster Gareth Malone, the group was brought together eight weeks ago to sing “Flesh and Blood” which they wrote themselves about their experience in the military.
“And if you can’t fix it, you can at least find coping mechanisms – that’s what it’s all about, there’s no reason people should be hiding in shame after they’ve served their country”.
The highlight of the night was a performance by James Blunt, a former Army officer, who played for more than 20 minutes, including his hit song You’re handsome which he dedicated to the First Lady.
Prince Harry shows the video to his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, who smiles like a woman who has seen it all and fears nothing.
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Obama couldn’t say enough about her royal companion for the evening. “So I am going to pack a crown and a cape this time and some amusing pointy-toed shoes”.
