Invictus Games Orlando 2016 Announce Opening and Closing Ceremonies Guests

- Michelle Snow

The Invictus Games Orlando 2016, presented by Jaguar Land Rover, has announced a star-studded lineup for the event’s Opening Ceremony on May 8, 2016.

Invictus Games Orlando 2016

It will include musical performances by British sensation Laura Wright and international star James Blunt, an appearance by actor Morgan Freeman, and other surprise guests.

Invictus Games Orlando 2016 Opening Ceremony artwork

The Opening Ceremony will also feature an unprecedented number of military performances, including the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, U.S. Army Band, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Dill Team.

In addition, the audience will hear emotional first-person narratives from injured servicemen MSgt Israel Del Toro Jr., LCpl John-James Chalmers and Louis Nethercott.

“The pageantry of the opening ceremony will begin a week that will give us all the opportunity to pay tribute to service and honor the sacrifice of our injured servicemen and women and their families,” said Ken Fisher, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Invictus Games Orlando 2016. “I hope that every American can join us for the Invictus Games, cheer on these amazing competitors, and show those just starting out on the road to recovery what is possible, despite their injury or illness.”

Invictus Games Orlando 2016 Opening Ceremony artwork

The Closing Ceremony on May 12 will feature musical performances by international popstar Rachel Platten, who will perform the song of the Games and her No. 1 single, “Fight Song.”

The lineup also includes best-selling country vocal group of the past decade Rascal Flatts, former “American Idol” winner Phillip Phillips, Florida native and Grammy-nominated hip-hop superstar Flo Rida, “The Voice” Season 9 winner Jordan Smith, and the first nationally-recognized wounded warrior band, Vetted.

During the ceremony, England’s Prince Harry will recognize competitors for their achievements over the past four days and lead the handover of the Invictus Games flag to the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 organizing committee.

In addition, the audience will hear firsthand from U.S. Team Captain, retired Army Captain Will Reynolds, as he shares his amazing personal journey. Captain Reynolds ultimately lost his left leg above the knee after an IED in Iraq and endured 26 surgeries. Since his injury, Captain Reynolds has become a husband, a father to four, earned a Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Public Health, embarked on a career with Deloitte and become a world class adaptive sports athlete.

“As the Games come to a close, I am honored by the opportunity to share my story,” said U.S. Team Captain Reynolds. “I want to let others know that the road to recovery is possible, no matter what injury or illness stand in the way.”

This week, Prince Harry was interviewed by WFTV’s Vanessa Echols about the Invictus Games:

Tickets for The Invictus Games Olando 2016 are currently on sale for $65 or the Opening Ceremony, and $45 for the Closing Ceremony. Both will be broadcast live on ESPN2.

Tickets for the Invictus Games sporting events can be purchased for as low as $13. The games and both ceremonies will take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World

Tickets and more information can be found at invictusgames2016.org/tickets.

Launched in 2014 by Prince Harry, The Invictus Games are the only international adaptive sporting event for injured active duty and veteran service members. The Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect of all those who serve their country as well as their families and caregivers. More than 500 competitors from 14 countries will compete in 10 adaptive sports during the event.

Invictus Games Orlando sponsored by Jaguar
Will Reynolds, Captain of the 2016 U.S. Invictus Team (L) and Joe Eberhardt, President and CEO, Jaguar Land Rover North America (R) pose with new Jaguar F-PACE SUV, and a Land Rover Discovery Sport.
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