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British singers
James Blunt and Laura Wright performed at the two-hour ceremony
before Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman led the crowd at the
ESPN Wide World of Sports Champion Stadium in reciting the
Invictus Games pledge.
Former U.S. President George W Bush, the honorary chairman of
this year’s Games, also spoke on stage to the near 500 athletes
from 14 different countries who will compete over four days from
Monday in 11 Paralympic sports.
Harry, who started the Games two years ago in London, paid
tribute to the courage of the athletes, who paraded through an
interactive 3-D cube decorated in their country's colors to warm
applause.
"When we give a standing ovation to the competitor with the
missing limbs, let's also cheer our hearts out for the man who
overcame anxiety so severe he couldn't leave his house," the
31-year-old royal told the crowd.
"Let's cheer for the woman who fought through post-traumatic
stress."
That spirit was echoed by Obama, who thanked U.S. veterans for
their service.
"I'm here and honor all of you: our extraordinary service
members, our veterans, and of course our military families. You
all are amazing. Truly amazing," she said.
(Reporting by Gavino Garay. Writing by Patrick Johnston in
Singapore. Editing by Ed Osmond)
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