2016 Invictus Games to be Held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

The 2016 Invictus Games will be held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, May 8–12. The announcement came from Prince Harry, who founded the first Invictus Games in London in 2014. An international adaptive sporting event for injured active duty and veteran service members, the Invictus Games uses the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect of those who serve their country, as well as their families and caregivers.

“I am absolutely delighted to announce that the United States has taken up the challenge and will host the next Invictus Games near Orlando, Florida,” said Prince Harry. “I can’t wait to see the American public supporting these inspirational men and women at the next games. And what better place to host such a great family event than Orlando.”

According to a release from Disney, Orlando was chosen to host the games because of the “area’s great tourism infrastructure and Disney’s outstanding sporting facilities.” The 230-acre ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex has hosted more than 70 sports featuring competitors from more than 70 countries, including events for wounded military veterans. Additionally, the Orlando area has a large veteran population and is home to the Orlando VA Medical Center, which serves more than 90,000 veterans

“Sport and exercise are important to the health and healing of our wounded military heroes,” said Fisher Foundation Chairman and CEO Ken Fisher, who will serve as chairman and CEO for the 2016 Invictus Games. “We are honored the Invictus Games is coming to the United States and grateful to have a world class facility and host in Walt Disney World Resort and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The competitors, their families and caregivers are all inspirations and each of their stories is a testament to courage, love and perseverance.”

The games will bring together more than 400 competitors from up to 14 nations to compete in 10 sports: archery, cycling, indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, triathlon, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis.