Prince Harry toured the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, today, two days before his Invictus Games kick off. Invictus, which means "unconquered," will bring together former service members from 15 different nations to compete in a variety of adaptive sports. The first Invictus Games were held in London in 2014.
More than 500 veterans from around the world will participate. The games "shine a light on the holistic recovery and rehabilitation that occurs through sport for the wounded, ill, and injured Service men and women who participate in them," according to the official Invictus Games website.
Most importantly, the games represent "coming back from rock bottom," the prince said.
"All [these competitors] want to do is get back to that status amongst their family that I am still the same person. I may look different or I may have a disability now, but I'm stronger now than I ever have been," Harry told ESPN anchor Chris Fowler. "This is a big moment for everyone to say thank you to the guys who put their life on the line. Thank you to the people who serve our country and put themselves in harms way so we don't have to."
Prince Harry Opens Up on Life-Changing Afghanistan Mission, Inspiration for Invictus Games Justin Trudeau Does Push-Ups With Canadian Invictus Games TeamThe prince said many of the injured service members competing in 2014 felt inspired afterward.
"It's about making the most of your second chance. I hope we can encourage as many people as we can to tune in and watch it with all the families sitting there cheering on Team USA," he said.
Even the Obamas have gotten into the spirit.
Harry promised the games are fun for competitors and fans alike.
"It's great to have everybody here together in one place. Whether you love paralympic sports, whether you love veterans, whether you love the services, whatever it is, it's epic amounts of fun!" he said.