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The British prince Harry opened Saturday the Olympic-style Games Invictus for disabled and wounded soldiers at a moving ceremony on the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House after an intense thunderstorm forced an hour later.
The Duke of Sussex, who climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge on Friday to help raise the Games' flag, welcomed more than 500 competitors from 18 different countries to the event he had founded.
"In the last four years, the Invictus Games have become much more than thousands of competitors who have participated," he said on a boomerang-like scene, following a ceremony of The traditional late arrival of the natives, blocked by a torrential rain and lightning.
"Invictus has become an example of service and dedication to the world to our competitors and our Invictus family has made these Games a symbol of strength, honor and optimism for the next generation."
The prince said the concept was particularly relevant in 2018, the centennial year of the end of the First World War.
"It's an appropriate tribute to the legacy of this generation to continue to support those who have served their country today," he said.
Earlier Saturday, Harry and his pregnant wife Meghan opened an extension of a war memorial in the city before handing Invictus' first medals to a driving challenge, where France won gold.
The Games may be an original idea of Harry, but they are also special for the couple because it is at the Toronto event in 2017 that he made his first appearance with the L & R. Old American actress, then dressed in ripped jeans and a casual white shirt.
They met in 2016 and came out under the radar before going public at the Canada event.
"I have been so proud to be able to introduce my wife and we have been so happy to celebrate with you all the personal joy of our new addition," he said in a message sent to him. Australia to conclude his speech. their baby who is not yet born.
– The healing power of sport –
Founded by Harry in 2014, the Games is an international sporting event for injured, injured and sick military personnel, whether on active duty or veterans.
The prince, a former soldier, has already said how deeply moved he was to see the deaths and wounds that were disrupting life in Afghanistan, and the sadness and sorrow that accompanied it.
This sparked the idea of using sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and recognize the crucial role played by family and friends.
It culminated with the first London Invictus Games in 2014, with an increasing stature since then at two other events in Orlando and Toronto.
Those taking part in Sydney will participate in eleven week-long medal sports, including venues that hosted the Olympics in 2000. Australia has adopted the concept, with most tickets sold.
Cycling and sailing take place on Sundays. Indoor rowing, wheelchair tennis and sit-down volleyball start on Monday.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent the week in Australia before the Games and received a warm welcome from fans at the start of their 16-day Pacific tour.
They have to bike Sunday before heading to the Fraser Island of Queensland, the largest sand island in the world, before flying to Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand.
Prince Harry hosted more than 500 competitors from 18 nations in Sydney
The Duke of Sussex spoke after a traditional Aboriginal welcome ceremony
Harry and Meghan handed the first Invictus medals earlier on Saturday.
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