Both Prince Harry and Defence Secretary Michael Fallon were present at the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida.
The event was opened with a fanfare by the US Army Herald Trumpets, followed by a flyover by four F-18 Hornet jets. There was also performances by the US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corp and the US Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon before the parade of nations took place.
The Games, which celebrate wounded service personnel overcoming adversity through sport, is being run for the second time, following a successful first year in London in 2014. More than 500 athletes from 14 countries will compete in sports including athletics, rugby and tennis.
Fallon said: “Competitors from all nations have shown huge strength in the face of life-changing injuries or illnesses and over the coming days we will see some remarkable achievements. Sport plays a major part in the recovery process and I am sure that the UK team will be giving it their all in a bid to bring home a haul of medals.”
