ESPN and the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 Organizing Committee have reached an agreement calling for ESPN to provide exclusive coverage in the United States and around the world of the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 presented by Jaguar Land Rover, a multi-sport event for wounded, ill and injured servicemen and women. More than 500 military competitors from 15 countries around the world will compete in the 2016 Games, being held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. from May 8-12.
ESPN’s more than 40 hours of coverage will begin with the Opening Ceremony televised live by ESPN2 on Sunday, May 8. ESPN2 will feature daily event coverage May 9-11 with more than 35 hours of live action on ESPN3. The Closing Ceremony will be live on ESPN2 on Thursday, May 12. All coverage on ESPN2 will also be available to stream live on WatchESPN across computers, smartphones, tablets and connected devices via an affiliated video provider. ESPN’s international networks will provide coverage around the world (excluding the United Kingdom).
This is the first time the Invictus Games will be televised in the United States. The inaugural Games were held in 2014 in London.
“We are proud to collaborate with the 2016 Invictus Games and utilize ESPN resources to bring focus to the Invictus Games and the true heroes who participate in them,” said John Wildhack, ESPN executive vice president, production and programming. “We hope our worldwide coverage of the games Prince Harry founded will help increase interest, participation and awareness of the challenges these veterans have overcome.”
Ken Fisher, CEO of the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 Organizing Committee, added, “The Invictus Games are a celebration of the long journey to recovery, for both competitors and families, and the world’s premier sporting network, ESPN, is the perfect outlet to showcase these amazing people and their inspirational stories.”
“ESPN is proud to showcase the power of sports through the courageous and inspiring stories of competitors participating in the Invictus Games,” said Kevin Martinez, ESPN vice president, corporate citizenship. “Our support is part of our continuing commitment to active military and veterans to honor their incredible sacrifice and service to our country. We hope to leave a lasting legacy for veterans well beyond the Games.”
The Invictus Games Orlando 2016 will feature 10 adaptive sports—archery, cycling, indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, power lifting, track and field, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis. The schedule of events and information about ticketing can be seen by clicking, http://invictusgames2016.org/invictus-games-2016-schedule/
About the Invictus Games
Presented by Jaguar Land Rover, the Invictus Games are the only international adaptive sporting event for injured active duty and veteran service members. The Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect of all those who serve their country as well as their families and caregivers. The Invictus Games Foundation has been established to pursue and develop the legacy of the Invictus Games, Prince Harry’s sporting event for wounded, ill and injured servicemen and women.
The Invictus competitors are men and women who have come face-to-face with the reality of making a sacrifice for their own country. The word ‘invictus’ means ‘unconquered’ and the event embodies the fighting spirit of the wounded, injured and ill service personnel and what these men and women can achieve post service. For more information on the 2016 Invictus Games, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit https://invictusgames2016.org/.
About ESPN Corporate Citizenship
At its very best, sports uplifts the human spirit. Its corporate citizenship programs use power of sport to positively address society’s most pressing needs through strategic community investments, cause marketing programs, collaboration with sports organizations and employee volunteerism, while also utilizing its diverse media assets. For more information go to www.espn.com/citizenship.
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Contact: Diane Lamb diane.lamb@espn.com
Belen Michelis belen.michelis@espn.com
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