And the Invictus Games go to...Orlando, Fla.!
Prince Harry, who founded the Games, announced that the second tournament would take place in Orlando in 2016. The games will take place May 8-12 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Sharing the news via video message, the redheaded royal said that he always hoped the 2014 Invictus Games would be just the beginning of the story.
"As I've continued to work with wounded servicemen and women, I regularly see the power of the soldiers' stories to inspire others. For every competitor last September, there are hundreds of others around the world who would benefit from having the same opportunity. I wanted other cities and countries to look at the competition —what it meant to those taking part and those who saw it —and take up the challenge for the next Invictus Games," he said.
"I am absolutely delighted that the United States has taken up that challenge and will host the next Invictus Games in 2016. I have no doubt that the USA will set the bar even higher than London did and put on a great show."
The royal has since been named patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, which was formed to "develop and pursue the event's legacy." It also manages the selection of hosts for future games.
Launched in 2014, the Invictus Games are a Paralympic-style competition for injured servicemen and women. Upon originally announcing the initiative in London, Harry joked that the Warrior Games, a Paralympic-style competition in the U.S., was "such a good idea by the Americans that it had to be stolen."
Ken Fisher, president of the 2016 Invictus Games Organising Committee spoke to the importance of the tournament to those who have been wounded.
"Sport and exercise are important to the health and healing of our wounded warriors," he explained. "We are honored the Invictus Games is coming to the United States. The competitors, their families and caregivers are all inspirations and each of their stories is a testament to courage, love and perseverance."
The first Invictus Games saw more than 400 competitors from 13 countries competing in nine sports.