The Invictus Games Orlando 2016, presented by Jaguar Land Rover and taking place from May 8-12 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort, today announced a lineup for the event’s Closing Ceremony on May 12 featuring world-renowned talent and uplifting performances.
“The Closing Ceremony will be an inspiring event that honors the Invictus spirit and recognizes our competitors,” said Ken Fisher, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Invictus Games Orlando 2016. “Stacked with incredible musical performances by internationally-renowned singers and songwriters, heartening stories of courage and triumph from servicemen and women, the ceremony will truly be the event of a lifetime. I encourage fans to buy their tickets now before they sell out – you won’t want to miss this.”
The Closing Ceremony will feature musical performances by international popstar Rachel Platten, who will perform the song of the Games and her No. 1 single, “Fight Song.” The lineup also includes best-selling country vocal group of the past decade Rascal Flatts, American sensation and former “American Idol” winner Phillip Phillips, Florida native and Grammy-nominated hip-hop superstar Flo Rida, “The Voice” Season 9 winner Jordan Smith and the first nationally-recognized wounded warrior band, Vetted.
During the ceremony, Prince Harry will recognize competitors for their achievements over the past four days and lead the handover of the Invictus Games flag to the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 organising committee. In addition, the audience will hear firsthand from U.S. Team Captain, retired Army Captain Will Reynolds, as he shares his amazing personal journey. Captain Reynolds ultimately lost his left leg above the knee after an IED in Iraq and endured 26 surgeries. Since his injury, Captain Reynolds has become a husband, a father to four, earned a Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Public Health, embarked on a career with Deloitte and become a world class adaptive sports athlete.
“As the Games come to a close, I am honored by the opportunity to share my story,” said U.S. Team Captain Reynolds. “I want to let others know that the road to recovery is possible, no matter what injury or illness stand in the way.”
Thousands of friends, family and fans will come together to reflect on a memorable four days of competition and celebrate the accomplishments, victories and unbreakable spirits of more than 500 competitors representing 14 nations at the Closing Ceremony, where every competitor will be recognized on stage with a medallion of achievement. Two individual awards will also be given by the Games’ presenting partners, Jaguar Land Rover, at the Closing Ceremony.
“The Closing Ceremony is an opportunity for us to celebrate a week of achievement, teamwork and friendship,” said Christopher Laue, one of the Executive Producers of the Invictus Games 2016 Opening and Closing Ceremonies. “The competitors’ commitment and determination has been absolutely awe-inspiring and will stay in fans’ hearts in the years to come. I hope Americans from across the nation will show their support by purchasing tickets and attending this high energy, eye-opening and heartwarming event.”
Spectators, fans and loved ones will watch the Closing Ceremony at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Kissimmee, Fla, while audiences around the world can watch the event live on ESPN 2. Fans can purchase tickets to this unforgettable and one-of-a-kind event for $45 each at http://invictusgames2016.org/tickets/.
The Invictus Games Orlando 2016 Opening and Closing Ceremonies are co-presented by Jaguar Land Rover and the Walt Disney Company and are being produced by continuumLIVE and Donaldson Creative with Christopher Laue and Sara Donaldson jointly performing the roles of Executive Producer and Creative Director.