When Prince Harry began the Invictus Games Foundation in 2014, he wanted to make a difference for military veterans worldwide. The Duke of Sussex likely had no idea the global impact he’d make in the following decade, but he has certainly changed, and probably saved, plenty of lives.
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The Invictus Games allows military members who were injured or became ill during service or as a direct result of service the opportunity to compete athletically and showcase the fruits of their rehabilitation. The games are typically held once every two years in different locations worldwide. The Invictus Games Foundation announced on July 23 that the games would return to the United Kingdom in 2027.
Former Royal Air Force sergeant Michelle Turner, 45, suffers from a heart condition that causes her to collapse without warning. She’s twice competed in the Invictus Games and credits Prince Harry’s dedication to veterans to making a better life for the military.
According to People, the mother of 11-year-old Maya spoke at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London earlier this year. She shared her poem about the importance of Prince Harry’s mission during a 10th-anniversary celebration of the Invictus Games.
Michelle Turner says Prince Harry changed her life.
She told People she was grateful to the Duke of Sussex and his devotion to veterans.
“How do you ever thank somebody for changing your life, changing your family’s life?” Michelle asked. “There are no words. All I see here is smiles. It is giving people a focus again. He is so relatable and so lovely to everybody, and he loves this Invictus Games.”
Per the Invictus Games website, Prince Harry started the foundation after serving in Afghanistan with a profound desire to help and continues that mission today.
“The Invictus Games Foundation offers a recovery pathway for international wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women (WIS). We collaborate to provide opportunities for post-traumatic growth: enabling those involved to reclaim their purpose, identity, and future, beyond injury,” the website reads.
The next Invictus Games will take place from February 8, 2025, to February 16, 2025, in Vancouver Whistler, Canada.
This story’s featured image is by Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation.
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