Prince Harry issues emotional statement after painful change for Invictus Games
Prince Harry has publicly thanked the Invictus Games Foundation’s chief executive Dominic Reid for his 'relentless service' after it was revealed he is stepping down from his role after 10 years
Prince Harry has issued an emotional statement after a huge change for his beloved Invictus Games.
The Duke of Sussex has publicly thanked the Invictus Games Foundation's chief executive Dominic Reid for his dedication, leadership and "relentless service" as the charity's boss announced he was stepping down after a decade in the role. Harry said he was "immensely grateful" to his 'friend' for transforming the Paralympic-style sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans from an ambitious idea into a global movement.
He praised his tireless efforts and spoke of the journey they shared together building the Games.
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Harry, who founded Invictus in 2014, said in a statement: "I am immensely grateful to my friend, Dominic, whose dedication and leadership transformed the Invictus Games from an ambitious idea to an internationally recognised movement. His tireless efforts over the past decade have supported thousands of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans through sports rehabilitation, helping to showcase their unparalleled strength and contribution to society."
He added: "Thank you, Dominic, for a decade of relentless service to the Invictus Games Foundation. What a journey it has been, and how fortunate we are to work with such an incredible community of people. We pray we don't need the Games for another 10 years, but thanks to you, the team and our future CEO, we will be ready."
Announcing his decision, Mr Reid said it was "the time for someone new to take this vital movement forward into its second vigorous decade". He said the search for his successor would be an important one and that he looked forward to passing on the baton and continuing to support the foundation, adding: "Once a member of the Invictus family, you never leave."
Harry, who stepped down as a working member of the royal family in 2020 for a new life in the US, returned to the UK briefly in May to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Invictus with a special service at St Paul's Cathedral.
Former soldier Mr Reid said: "I have delivered the 10-year vision I set out, which includes the introduction of winter sport which is close to my heart as a former biathlete. I remain the Pageantmaster of the Lord Mayor’s Show and look forward to the exciting new projects I am developing."
Harry, who served on the frontline in Afghanistan, was inspired to set up the global tournament after attending the Warrior Games in Colorado in 2013 and seeing how injured American military personnel thrived on the challenge of taking part in competitive sports that aided their recovery.
The duke went on to stage the inaugural games in London's Olympic Park in 2014 and the tournament has since been held across the globe in Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, the Hague and Dusseldorf, with the first Winter hybrid Games being hosted in Vancouver and Whistler in 2025.
Preparations are underway to announce the host city for the 2027 Games, with Birmingham and Washington DC up against one another on the final shortlist. Mr Reid described it as a "privilege to work closely" with Harry. He added: "His concept, passion, and drive have been instrumental in our success, in particular by focusing attention on mental health in sports rehabilitation."
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