ESPN To Cover Invictus Games Orlando 2016
Wounded Warriors From 15 Nations to Compete May 8-12
March 7, 2016
WASHINGTON, DC – The Invictus Games Orlando 2016, the only international adaptive sporting event for injured active duty and veteran service members, and ESPN, today announced the Games will be televised on the ESPN family of networks. The Invictus Games, presented by Jaguar Land Rover, will be held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. from May 8-12.
The Invictus 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.
ESPN’s more than 40 hours of coverage will begin with the Opening Ceremony televised live by ESPN2 on Sunday, May 8. ESPN2 will feature daily event coverage May 9-11 with more than 35 hours of live action on ESPN3. The Closing Ceremony will be carried live on ESPN2 on Thursday, May 12. All coverage on ESPN2 will also be available to stream live on WatchESPN across computers, smartphones, tablets and connected devices via an affiliated video provider.
“The Invictus Games are a celebration of the long journey to recovery, for both competitors and families, and the world’s premier sporting network ESPN is the perfect partner to showcase these amazing people and their inspirational stories,” said Ken Fisher, CEO of the 2016 Invictus Games Organizing Committee. “We hope fans can join us in Orlando but if you’re unable to, we’re thrilled people can watch from home on ESPN properties.”
Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games after visiting the Warrior Games in the United States in 2013 and hosted the inaugural Invictus Games in London in 2014. Invictus Games Orlando 2016 will bring together some 500 competitors from 15 nations to compete in 10 sports – archery, cycling, indoor rowing, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis.
“We are proud to collaborate with the 2016 Invictus Games and utilize ESPN resources to bring focus to the Games and the true heroes who participate in them,” said John Wildhack, ESPN executive vice president, production and programming. “We hope our worldwide coverage of the games Prince Harry founded will help increase interest, participation and awareness of the challenges these veterans have overcome.”
Competitors, live audiences and those watching the 2016 Invictus Games at home will be treated to the world-class venues of the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, the pre-eminent multi-sport facility of its kind. Having hosted more than 70 different sports featuring competitors from more than 70 different countries, including events for wounded military veterans, the 230-acre Disney facility is uniquely positioned to host a global event such as the 2016 Invictus Games.
The word Invictus means “unconquered.” It embodies the fighting spirit of the wounded service personnel who are on the journey to recovery. Generations have drawn on the words of William Ernest Henley’s 1878 poem “Invictus” for strength during times of adversity. “I am the master of my fate,” wrote Henley, himself an amputee.
Contact:
Dan Ronayne
dronayne@invictusgames2016.org
About the Invictus Games
Presented by Jaguar Land Rover, 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. The Invictus Games Foundation has been established to pursue and develop the legacy of the Invictus Games, Prince Harry’s sporting event for wounded, ill and injured Servicemen and women.
About ESPN Corporate Citizenship
At its very best, sports uplifts the human spirit. Its corporate citizenship programs use power of sport to positively address society’s most pressing needs through strategic community investments, cause marketing programs, collaboration with sports organizations and employee volunteerism, while also utilizing its diverse media assets. For more information go to www.espn.com/citizenship.
