Prince Harry, Michelle Obama Kick Off Invictus Games in Florida

First Lady Michelle Obama, among other world famous figures, helped Britain’s Prince Harry kick off the Invictus Games for the second year in a row.

The Games, offered for wounded servicemen and women, are being held in Orlando, Fla., at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex from May 8 to 12.

“I can’t tell you how proud I am to have the second Invictus Games open in America,” Prince Harry said, according to The Guardian. “I’m a long way from London tonight, but when I look out, I see so many familiar faces, servicemen and women, their friends and their families and all of the people who got them here. I feel like I’m at home.”

Joining the first lady and the prince were former U.S. President George W. Bush, actor Morgan Freeman, and singers James Blunt and Laura Wright, to name a few.

The 500 athletes, from 14 different countries, will compete in the Paralympic-style games over a 4-day span. They are men and women who have been face-to-face with adversities and life-changing injuries.

What an emotional and inspiring Opening Ceremony so far. Amazing to see all 500 competitors here tonight! pic.twitter.com/YQQ4dvGtrO

— Invictus Games (@WeAreInvictus) May 9, 2016

“I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many of you, and like Prince Harry, I am so incredibly inspired by all of you,” Michelle Obama said during the the Games’ opening. “I’m inspired by your courage, by your love of country, I’m inspired by the sacrifices you all make everyday, particularly the wounded warriors and their care givers.”

The prince created The Invictus Games to “harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country,” according to the Games’ website. 

In 2014, Prince Harry said of the Games: 

“These Games have shone a spotlight on the ‘unconquerable’ character of service men and women and their families and their ‘Invictus’ spirit. These Games have been about seeing guys sprinting for the finish line and then turning round to clap the last man in. They have been about teammates choosing to cross the line together, not wanting to come second, but not wanting the other guys to either. These Games have shown the very best of the human spirit.”

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At the start of the ceremony, athletes, dressed in the garb of their represented country, filed into ESPN World’s Champion Stadium as thousands of fans cheered and celebrated their service. After completing their walk-in, multiple musicians performed, followed by speeches from competing veterans who discussed their injuries and what it took to overcome them.

The prince also discussed his time of service, saying: “I served along soldiers from all over the world. I saw the sacrifices you and your families made to serve your nations. I learned about the importance of team work and camaraderie in the way that only military service can teach you.”

Prince Harry assured spectators and fans that the veterans faced “not just physical injuries,” but “every single one of them has confronted tremendous emotional and mental challenges.”

What a finale! Can’t wait for @InvictusOrlando to start tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/KndcEn0vAV

— Invictus Games (@WeAreInvictus) May 9, 2016

Very excited that @InvictusOrlando starts today! Are you ready? Think these competitors are… pic.twitter.com/pdpQvakSJd

— Invictus Games (@WeAreInvictus) May 9, 2016