Invictus Games Orlando 2016 Conclude With Unforgettable Closing Ceremony Program

Filed in: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Invictus Games, Uncategorized

Four Days of Extraordinary Competition Conclude With Inspiring Performances and Celebrations at Once-In-A-Lifetime Event

 

The Invictus Games Orlando 2016, presented by Jaguar Land Rover at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort, concluded on May 12 with a Closing Ceremony featuring world-renowned talent and uplifting performances.

The Closing Ceremony featured musical performances by international popstar Rachel Platten, who performed the song of the Games and her No. 1 single, “Fight Song.” The lineup also included best-selling country vocal group of the past decade Rascal Flatts, American sensation and former “American Idol” winner Phillip Phillips, Florida native and Grammy-nominated hip-hop superstar Flo Rida, “The Voice” Season 9 winner Jordan Smith and the first nationally-recognized wounded warrior band, Vetted.

During the ceremony, Prince Harry recognized competitors for their achievements over the past four days and led the handover of the Invictus Games flag to the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 organising committee. In addition, the audience heard firsthand from U.S. Team Captain, retired Army Captain Will Reynolds, as he shared his amazing personal journey. Captain Reynolds ultimately lost his left leg above the knee after an IED in Iraq and endured 26 surgeries. Since his injury, Captain Reynolds has become a husband, a father to four, earned a Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Public Health, embarked on a career with Deloitte and become a world class adaptive sports athlete.

“As the Games come to a close, I am honored by the opportunity to share my story,” said U.S. Team Captain Reynolds. “I want to let others know that the road to recovery is possible, no matter what injury or illness stand in the way.”

Thousands of friends, family and fans came together to reflect on a memorable four days of competition and celebrate the accomplishments, victories and unbreakable spirits of more than 500 competitors representing 14 nations at the Closing Ceremony, where every competitor was recognized on stage with a medallion of achievement. Two individual awards were also given by the Games’ presenting partners, Jaguar Land Rover, at the Closing Ceremony.

“The Closing Ceremony is an opportunity for us to celebrate a week of achievement, teamwork and friendship,” said Christopher Laue, one of the Executive Producers of the Invictus Games 2016 Opening and Closing Ceremonies. “The competitors’ commitment and determination has been absolutely awe-inspiring and will stay in fans’ hearts in the years to come.”

Spectators, fans and loved ones watched the Closing Ceremony at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Kissimmee, Fla, while audiences around the world watched the event live on ESPN 2.

The Invictus Games Orlando 2016 Opening and Closing Ceremonies were co-presented by Jaguar Land Rover and the Walt Disney Company and were produced by continuumLIVE and Donaldson Creative with Christopher Laue and Sara Donaldson jointly performing the roles of Executive Producer and Creative Director.

Founder of Donaldson Creative, Donaldson most recently Executive Produced the Rugby World Cup Opening Ceremony in London, the Invictus Games London 2014 Ceremonies and along with Laue was Co-Chief Operating Officer of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Ceremonies. Laue, of continuumLIVE, most recently served as Executive Producer for the Lima 2019 Handover Segment at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games, the Salvation Army International Congress, the Los Angeles Music Center 50th Anniversary Spectacular and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Veracruz 2014 Central American and Caribbean Games.