ESPN has made an arrangement with the Invictus Games to provide exclusive coverage of the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 presented by Jaguar Land Rover. More than 500 military competitors from 15 countries around the world will compete in the multi-sport event for wounded, ill and injured servicemen and women at this year’s games. The events for the 2016 Invictus Games will be held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Walt Disney World 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/