Fifteen nations to participate in the 2016 Games honoring warriors

ORLANDO, FL (May 6, 2016) — Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) Board Member and Senior Strategy Fellow, Wayne Robinson will attend the Invictus Games Symposium on Invisible Wounds presented by the George W. Bush Institute as well as the Invictus Games opening ceremony Sunday, May 8th. The Games harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate understanding and respect for those who served. There are over 50,000 wounded service members in the United States, not including invisible wounds such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury.

“I am grateful to join my fellow veterans at the Invictus Games this year,” said Robinson, who served 20 years in the U.S. Army. “This event continues to bring attention to the incredible triumphs of our injured active duty and veteran service members. It is inspiring to see the focus and excitement around these games highlighting our vets, who have given so much to their countries. In a short period of time the Invictus Games have grown and their participants have shown the world the enduring spirit and determination of our armed forces.”

The Symposium on Invisible Wounds will gather an international group of service members, Invictus competitors and dignitaries to discuss solutions to help returning service men and women overcome their invisible wounds and improve outcomes for their transition back to civilian life. The Opening Ceremony will include the U.S. Army Band, the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Team, as well as musical performer James Blunt, among others.

This year’s games have already garnered increased attention due to the friendly competition videos put out by Kensington Palace featuring Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry, who launched the games in 2014, President and Mrs. Obama flanked by U.S. service members and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau showcasing his, and Canadian service members, push up skills. The videos, made in good fun, are aimed at growing the discussion of the issues affecting veterans and service members all around the world.

WHAT: Invictus Games for Our Wounded Warriors

WHO: Wayne Robinson, IAVA Board Member and Senior Strategy Fellow

WHEN: Sunday, May 8, 2016, 1:00 p.m. — Invictus Games Symposium on Invisible Wounds
Sunday, May 8, 2016, 6:00 p.m. — Opening Ceremony

WHERE: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Orlando, FL.

Ken Fisher, a senior partner at Fisher Brothers and IAVA Board member, is Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Games.