#DidYouKnow: Invictus Games’ medals designed by World’s oldest jewelry house

invictus medal

The 2016 Invictus Games, held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, which has seen more than 500 competitors from 15 nations participating in 10 adaptive sports, wraps up today with the closing ceremonies on May 12 set to feature world-renowned talent.

The Invictus Games, a para-Olympic style sporting event for wounded, injured and sick veterans, over four days will have seen every winner and runner-up of every event be awarded medals designed by Garrard, the oldest jewelry house in the world.

For nearly 300 years, the jewelry house has designed and created pieces for Royal regalia, and sporting cups and trophies. The medals, which are based on a concept from Harry Parker, who lost both his legs when he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan, represents the philosophy and vision behind the Invictus Games.

Crafted and designed by Garrard, the embossed pattern on the medals represent the journey of recovery and rehabilitation of the wounded, injured and sick Service personnel participating in the Games. “I am the master of my fate,” a quote from William Ernest Henley’s poem Invictus is engraved in the medals with a Braille translation on the back. Black enamel finishes the center of each medallion with the Invictus “I AM” trademark.

The Closing Ceremony will feature musical performances by international popstar Rachel Platten, who will perform the song of the Games and her No. 1 single, “Fight Song.” The lineup also includes 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 will recognize competitors for their achievements over the past four days and lead the handover of the Invictus Games flag to the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 organising committee.

 

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