Celebrities support Harry’s Invictus Games

London Evening Standard/London

Daniel Craig is among a host of A-list celebrities who are backing Prince Harry’s Invictus Games for injured servicemen and women.

The prince has spearheaded a drive to host the competition for “wounded warriors” in London in September, recognising the sacrifice of those who have fought for their country.

An online film released last week sees a group of celebrities pledge support for the Games, reading lines from William Ernest Henley’s poem Invictus.

James Bond star Craig, who appeared alongside the Queen in a short film for the 2012 London Olympics, delivers the opening line: “Out of the night that covers me.”

He urged the public to get behind the event, saying: “Our Armed Forces community have made huge sacrifices in recent years. Please give something back to those who give so much.”

British actor Tom Hardy, star of Star Trek and The Dark Knight, reads the poignant closing line for the film: “I am the captain of my soul.”

He said: “I want to encourage you to get behind our armed forces for the September Invictus Games.”

Singer will.i.am, who also appears in the film, wished competitors luck, saying: “This is all about using the power of sport to inspire recovery and support rehabilitation.”

Joanna Lumley explained the full impact: “The Invictus Games will  generate a wider understanding and respect of those who serve their country and mark the start of a legacy programme to support further employment opportunities for veterans.”

Sports personalities Lizzy Yarnold, Louis Smith and Iwan Thomas also read lines from Henley’s 1875 poem, about strength in the face of adversity.

Boxing champion Ricky Hatton, who appears in the film, said: “When you hear about the journeys of recovery that these servicemen and women have been on it’s inspirational.

“People talk about grit and determination but here are people who flat out refuse to be beaten by their injuries.”

Singers Joss Stone and Rod Stewart also feature in the film. They are joined by Stephen Fry, Bear Grylls, Bruce Forsyth, rapper Example and comedian Omid Djalili.

The Invictus Games, presented by Jaguar Land Rover and supported by BT, will take place from September 10 to 14 at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, in Stratford.

More than 400 wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, serving and veteran, from 14 nations, will take part in nine adaptive sports.

Hoping to compete in swimming is Mary Wilson, who was with the Royal Artillery when she was thrown from her horse in 2001.  After three operations, she was unable to pass her Weapons Handling test and was medically discharged. In 2004 she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

She said: “To have stars like these give us their support feels amazing.”