Invictus Games Begin At The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

by Benson Agoha

The maiden edition of Prince Harry’s Invictus Games began today at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford.

* An official merchandise stand at the venue today.
(Photo Credit: WO).

Being a sports event for wounded service-men, we expected that security would be tight and it was. (To save time, buy your tickets at the ticket offices close to the main entrance, before proceeding to the venues.)

When we arrived, speeches were being given by different eminent personalities, and being shown live on the Big Screen.

Some 400 or more wounded servicemen and women, drawn from 13 countries will take part in the event which will hold from 10^th - 14^th of September, 2014.

Prince Harry recently stated that “the Invictus Games are here to stay” and that as long as “we are needed”, the Games will hold. But he said a decision had not been made as to whether the event will be held annually or not.

A message on the games website said “the Royal Foundation of The Ministry of Defence, are proud to announce the Invictus Games presented by Jaguar Land Rover.”

Organisers took to twitter to express their delight with “#IAM so excited for the beginning of the Opening Ceremony for the #InvictusGames - if you couldn't be here, tune into @BBCOne at 7pm!”

Participants will compete in Athletics, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby, Sitting Volleyball, Archery, Power-lifting, Swimming, Indoor Rowing and Road Cycling.

A limited amount of athletics tickets are on sale now, according information on the official website.

Below are some of the photos of some parts of the venue today. But for more information on the Invictus Games, visit www. invictusgames.org.

See more photos below: