If there is something that would highlight the obstacles and difficulties that wounded veterans face and shows their determination to overcome the odds in just one place, it should be the Invictus Games. This event that was started by Prince Harry who sees the power of sport to help them physically and mentally, held the successful inaugural games in London last year. Over 400 wounded warriors from different nations battled it out for glory and to support each other.

There is no Invictus Games for this year in order for the selected city to be given enough time to prepare as host for the games and there was no lack of cities who vied for being selected to be as host for the next games. For the year 2016 the City of Orlando, Florida has been selected as host for the Invictus Games 2016 as announced by Prince Harry last 14 July 2015:

According to news release by the Invictus Games Foundation, the decision to select Orlando was not a hard one… "The Invictus Games Foundation awarded the 2016 Games to Orlando as the city’s outstanding sporting facilities and great tourist infrastructure make it an ideal host city for both competitors and spectators. Orlando also has a large veterans population and is home to the Orlando VA Medical Centre, which serves over 90,000 veterans."

Again, over 400 competitors from 14 nations will be vying for medals in different sporting disciplines such as archery, track and field, cycling, indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, triathlon, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis. It will be a test of discipline, determination, will, and spirit which for each and every competitor will be more than twice the effort compared to the athletes who do not suffer from disabilities brought by injuries from the battlefield.

For airsoft players to show their support for wounded veterans, especially in the state of Florida, is to step forward and become volunteers for the games, once the call is made. They can organise trips for their airsoft teams to go to the games, which will be on the 8th to the 12th of May 2016. They can cheer the players, regardless of country they represent, help in ticket sales. Airsoft retailers can also buy tickets and raffle them off to their customers.

There are lots of ways to support the event, and one of the best ways to show your appreciation to their service is to be there to show support. Cheer, clap, and cry with them as they put super human strength to achieve sporting glory even with their disabilities. They may have been injured, but they remain unbowed and unconquered.

You can visit the Invictus Games Orland 2016 at their website or on Facebook to learn more how to support.

Photo source: Invictus Games via Facebook