OTTAWA – Ukraine will send a team of athletes to participate in the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto on September 24-30, 2017, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) announced on September 26.
The UCC is partnering with the government of Ukraine through the Ministry of Youth and Sport of Ukraine on Ukraine’s participation in the games, under the action plan signed on August 25 between the Ukrainian World Congress and the Ministry of Youth and Sport of Ukraine, the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine and the National Committee for Paralympic Sports.
The UCC expressed thanks to Canadian members of Parliament and organizations and individuals who supported Ukraine’s Invictus Games bid. Ukraine will be one of 17 nations competing in the games. The Invictus Games are a unique opportunity for Ukrainian soldiers wounded in the heroic defense of Ukraine from Russia’s invasion to take part in a prestigious international event, and will help the world see the unbreakable will and courage of Ukraine’s men and women in uniform.
“The UCC congratulates Ukraine on being accepted to participate in the Toronto Invictus Games 2017,” stated Renata Roman, UCC vice-president. “We are ready to support Ukraine’s team in their inaugural games and make their participation a successful experience. In early 2017, the UCC will issue a call for volunteers to assist Ukraine’s team in the games.”
The Invictus Games are an international sports competition in which wounded, ill and injured military personnel and veterans take part. Founded by Prince Harry, the inaugural Invictus Games took place in London in 2014, with more than 450 competitors from 13 nations. As noted on the games’ website, “The Invictus Games demonstrate soldiers’ and veterans’ indefatigable drive to overcome and the power of sport on their journey to recovery.” (More information is available at http://www.invictusgames2017.com/.)
On Saturday, October 1, a kickoff event was to be held during Nuit Blanche in Toronto at Yonge-Dundas Square, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. (More information on the kickoff event is available at http://www.invictusgames2017.com/one-year-countdown-to-the-invictus-games-toronto-2017/.)
Speaking on September 23, before the kick-off, Prince Harry, patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, said: “One year from tomorrow the Invictus Games arrive in Toronto. The Toronto organizers have promised the best Games yet – more nations competing, more sporting events and more inspiring moments than ever before. After London and Orlando, the bar has been set high – it’s going to take all Canadians to get behind the games to take Invictus to the next level. See you next year, Toronto!”