On the eve of the ceremony, the Duke of Sussex is set to be celebrated for his role in creating the Invictus Games ten years ago, which aids injured and ill service members and veterans dealing with both physical and unseen wounds.
Despite facing criticism for being chosen as this year's awardee, Harry has now publicly praised the wounded, injured, and sick UK military personnel and veterans who are gearing up to compete in the inaugural winter sports edition of the Invictus Games.
Team UK has been announced, consisting of 60 competitors and four reserves, ready to take on the challenge at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler come February. The Duke expressed his eagerness "to see their passion, determination, and resilience on full display as they take on this new chapter".
Launched by Harry in 2014, the Invictus Games serve as an international adaptive multi-sport event, offering wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, both active and retired, the opportunity to engage in sports as a key part of their rehabilitation.
Harry expressed his excitement for the upcoming Winter Invictus Games, saying: "Congratulations to those selected for Team UK for our first-ever Winter Invictus Games in Vancouver Whistler next February. Team UK will join over 500 competitors from across 20 nations in this groundbreaking event that expands the range and profile of winter adaptive sports."
He highlighted the significance of the event: "These games present an incredible opportunity for our courageous service personnel and veterans to demonstrate their skills in new challenges like alpine skiing, snowboarding and skeleton, as well as providing a truly memorable experience for their families. We're excited to see their passion, determination, and resilience on full display as they take on this new chapter."
The team is comprised of individuals from various services and generations, including some who have sustained serious physical and mental injuries while serving the UK domestically or overseas. Their injuries range from visual impairment and amputation to traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, and other mental health issues.
They were chosen for the positive impact that training for and competing in the games could have on their rehabilitation.
Among those forming the team are captain, Stephen 'Hoops' Hooper, who is donning his boots for the second Invictus Games after completing powerlifting and sitting volleyball at Dusseldorf in 2023. Hoops, an RAF veteran diagnosed with PTSD before being medically discharged in 2021.
Also in the squad is Juliet Bale, a 54 year-old who served as a nurse in the RAF and Army, but was medically discharged after enduring a traumatic brain injury during a Kenyan operation.
Louise Assioun, Team UK manager for the Royal British Legion, remarked: "For the selected individuals, being part of a team again, representing their country and being around others who are all on their individual recovery pathway is what makes Team UK's journey to the Invictus Games so unique. The Royal British Legion is proud to support them every step of the way."
Harry's message followed The Telegraphs report which claimed that the backlash from the Pat Tillman award and also the Living Legend of Aviation accolade he received this year "presents a pressing problem" as a 'dumbfounded' Harry "seeks to build a career upon the foundations of his past military endeavours".
A source revealed to the media that criticism concerning his efforts with veterans is especially hard for him to take. They continued: "Harry's legacy on Invictus, the things he has achieved, that's his real passion. This is the space in which he truly feels at home, it is something he deeply cares about. The reaction certainly took the shine off the award."
The Pat Tillman Award for Service is in honour of ex-NFL star and US Army Ranger Pat Tillman, who died in Afghanistan in 2004. Yet, the announcement that he would receive the accolade was met with controversy, including a petition on change.org demanding ESPN reconsider awarding him, while Tillman's mother Mary expressed her dismay, stating: "I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award."
Previous winners of the Pat Tillman Award include footballer Marcus Rashford, known for his prominent campaign urging the Government to provide free meals to disadvantaged children in England during school breaks amidst the Covid crisis.
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