Invictus Games 2017 open with a grand ceremony

The Opening Ceremony featured a lively Parade of Nations, where war-wounded athletes marched, limped or wheeled their way to the arena.

They heard Prince Harry's words  full of praise for them for the courage with which they came to the Games, media reports said.

Eleanor McMahon, Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, was at Union Station to meet and greet Team Canada as they arrived for the Games.

Invictus means unconquered in Latin and the Games and the mandate behind the Games is not about individual winning, it’s about winning as a team, media reports said.

Prince Harry, the royal visitor from England, had reportedly co-founded The Invictus Games in 2014 as a way to motivate wounded soldiers on their path to recovery.

The first Invictus Games took place in London, England in 2014, where more than 400 athletes from 13 countries came together to compete.

Invictus Games -- now in its third year -- will run until Sep 30 in Toronto and at least 550 competitors from 17 countries are expected to compete in 12 sports in these Games.

Harry, who served in Afghanistan with the British army for about two months, said he wanted to use his platform “to help the world understand and be inspired by the spirit of those who wear the uniform.”

Harry took to the stage -- before the games were officially declared open  --  to explain the meaning of Invictus Games

“In a world where so many have reasons to feel cyncial and apathetic, I wanted to find a way for veterans to be a beacon of light and show us that we all have a role to play – that we all win when we respect our friends, neighbours and communities,” he said.

“That’s why we created Invictus – not only to help veterans recover from their physical and mental wounds, but also to inspire people to follow their example of resilience, optimism and service in their own lives,” said Harry.

The competitors and their families were welcomed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on behalf of the host country and said they were an inspiration to others for their sacrifices and dedication to helping others.

“No matter what challenges life has set before them, they continue to do what they do best: serve their countries, with passion and integrity,” Trudeau said to cheers. “You’re not only here to inspire, you’re also here to win.”

Trudeau added, “We know that no one leaves a battlefield unchanged, and that not all scars can be seen. Asking for help when you have physical and mental injuries, that’s hard for everyone. But it’s especially tough for people like you who have dedicated your lives to helping others.”

American first lady Melania Trump was among the dignitaries who watched the flag raising ceremony.

Comedian Mike Myers, and singers Alessia Cara and Laura WrightIn were among other Canadian and foreign dignitaries present at the opening ceremony.

The games were officially opened by David Johnston, in one of his final acts as Governor General of Canada and he tweeted, 'I officially declared the #InvictusGames open during the opening ceremony. Good luck to all the competitors! #IG2017."

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)

All images: from twitter