In a heartfelt farewell, Prince Harry has expressed immense gratitude to Dominic Reid, the long-serving CEO of the Invictus Games, who has announced his departure. Reid, who has been instrumental in transforming the Invictus Games from a single event into a global movement, believes it is time for new leadership to take the helm.
A Decade of Dedication
Dominic Reid has been at the forefront of the Invictus Games since its inception in 2014. Under his guidance, the Games have grown into a powerful symbol of resilience and recovery for veterans and armed forces members worldwide. Reflecting on Reid’s contributions, Prince Harry stated, “I am immensely grateful to my friend Dominic, whose dedication and leadership transformed the Invictus Games from an ambitious idea to an internationally recognized movement.”
Harry’s tribute highlights the evolution of the Invictus Games, which now boasts participation from 23 nations across every continent. “Ten years on from the inception of the Invictus Games, we proudly stand as a community fulfilling our mission of saving and changing lives,” Harry added.
The Journey of Invictus
Reid’s journey with the Invictus Games began with the hope that the event might be a one-off competition. However, as he noted in his statement, the continuing geopolitical instability and the increasing number of wounded service personnel underscored the need for the Games to persist. “Our global community continues to demonstrate the impact of Invictus across the world,” Reid said, emphasizing the lasting legacy of the Games in countries like Australia and Germany.
The Invictus Games have also gained international attention through projects such as the Netflix documentary “Heart of Invictus.” Furthermore, Germany recently introduced a veterans’ day, inspired in part by hosting the 2023 Invictus Games in Düsseldorf.
Building a Strong Foundation
As Reid prepares to step down, he leaves behind a solid foundation and a capable team dedicated to the Invictus mission. “I am pleased to have set the [Invictus Games] Foundation on a solid footing and to have built an outstanding team,” Reid stated. He expressed pride in working closely with Prince Harry to realize his vision of an international sporting event that not only honors those who have served but also focuses on mental health in sports rehabilitation.
Reid’s leadership and the cohesive team he built have been instrumental in expanding the Invictus Games’ reach and impact. “It has been an honor to build and work with an incredible, dedicated, and high-functioning team whom I count as friends and not just colleagues,” Reid added.
Looking Ahead
The next Invictus Games are set to take place in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, in February 2025. This event will be the first winter hybrid, incorporating traditional core sports alongside winter sports. As Reid departs, the organization is also preparing to announce the next venue for the Games, with Birmingham, England, and Washington, D.C., in the running.
In recognition of the Invictus Games’ impact, Prince Harry recently accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards. During his acceptance speech, Harry paid tribute to the athletes and their families, stating, “This award belongs to them, not to me. It is of great importance to me to highlight these allies, athletes, and their amazing families for their achievements, their spirit, and their courage.”
Celebrating a Milestone
The 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games was marked by a service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. Following the event, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle traveled to Nigeria to celebrate the country’s induction as the first African nation to join the Invictus Games. During their visit, a new Invictus Games center was unveiled to support wounded, sick, and injured servicemen and women.
Prince Harry’s vision for the Invictus Games has always been about more than just competition; it’s about community, healing, and empowerment. As the Games enter their second decade, the foundation laid by Dominic Reid will continue to support and inspire veterans and their families around the world.
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