Day 1 of 2017 Invictus Games gets underway with wheelchair tennis, athletic heats

The first official day of competition got underway at the 2017 InvictusGamesafter a star-studded opening ceremony Saturday night.

On Saturday night,Prime Minister JustinTrudeaujoined Prince Harry for the Games'opening ceremony in Toronto, which featured performers, including SarahMcLachlanandAlessiaCara.

Sunday began with a preliminary round of wheelchair tennis at Nathan Phillips Square,and launched straight into athletic heats and finals at the York Lions Stadium.

About 550 athletes are expected to take part in the Games in Toronto over the next week, whichPrince Harry foundedin 2014 as a way to help wounded veterans with their recovery.

• 'You are all winners': Prince Harry opens Invictus Games with message of inspiration
• Army corporalMichael Clarke finishes 3rd in the men's 100-metre wheelchair dash on Sunday

Also on Sunday, the prince met with dozens of high-achieving Canadian youths at the presentation ofThe Duke of Edinburgh's International Gold Awards.

The moodon Sundaywas more subdued and formal than atSaturdaynight's concert, but the excitement was palpable as Prince Harry greeted award winners at the Fairmount Royal York hotel in Toronto.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Awards honour 14-to-24-year-olds who take on projects related to personal development and community involvement.

Prince Harry walked around the room and greeted the award recipients warmly, asking them questions about their achievements.

In a speech before the ceremony began, Ontario Lt.-Gov. Elizabeth Dowdeswell thanked Prince Harry for founding the Invictus Games, a multi-sport event for injured and sick soldiers.

Dowdeswell also praised Harry's grandfather, Prince Philip, for founding The Duke of Edinburgh's Award in 1963.
Prince Harry and the lieutenant-governor were also joined onstage by Lou Gizzarelli, Canada's national president of the awards.

More than 500,000 young Canadians are currently taking part in awardprogram.

Invictus Games - Harry Speech

7 years ago

Duration 5:45

Justin Trudeau's speech at the 2017 Invictus Games opening day in Toronto.